Child Marriage Continues Unabated in Rural Rajasthan

Despite laws against it, child marriage remains prevalent in rural Rajasthan. Recent incidents in Bundi district reveal that young girls, often belonging to Other Backward Classes, are married off, sometimes to save family costs. Local authorities and politicians seem either unaware or supportive of these practices, complicating preventive measures.

Despite laws against child marriage, the practice continues unabated in rural Rajasthan. In Bundi district, young girls as young as 15 and 16 are still being married off, often from families belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Local authorities and teachers acknowledge the situation but claim they can do little once a marriage has occurred. Complaints are often met with resistance from the community, and some teachers choose to stay silent to avoid conflict.

In some cases, families marry off younger daughters alongside the eldest to save money, with the younger brides often not sent to their in-laws' homes until they reach adulthood. Despite official oversight, the issue persists, with some politicians calling for amendments to current child marriage laws.