The enactment of Sharda Act in 1929 was a watershed moment in the women and girl empowerment movement in India. The Sharda Act recognized that the prevailing culture of child marriage was indeed unacceptable in a civilized society. The Act did provide respite to social reformers who were working tirelessly to fight this social evil. Post India’s independence, the government put considerable efforts in bringing the issue of child marriage to the forefront and ran ad campaigns to educate and inform the general public on the pitfalls of child marriage. The government also brought out amended laws and rules for prevention of child marriage, the last one being the Prevention of Child Marriage Act, 2006.

However, even after 73 years of our independence and 92 years of the enactment of the Sharda Act, child marriage still remains one of the biggest social evils practiced in our country. Mission 2029 is a reminder to our government and our society that the rampant practice of child marriage is not only regressive but even shameful in a country aspiring to lead the world on many fronts.

Today, child marriage is no longer a socio-cultural phenomenon. A definite increase in the incidences of gender- based violence has instilled a sense of fear among the parents and family members of girl child. One of the reasons for early marriage of girls is usually stated as the detoriation of law and order which directly affects the safety and security of the girl child. The State has repeatedly failed in ensuring safety of the girls and this has fanned yet another crime against girls in the form of child marriage.

Child Marriage Overview

a. Statistics
b. Significance and origin of Marriage
c. Evolution of family
d. History of CM

Reasons to Wed Young

a. Age of consent
b. Community Vs Religion
c. Premarital Sex and Pregnancies
d. Case Studies

Impact of Child Marriage

a. Economic
b. Social
c. Physical
d. Psychological

India

a. Historical Account
b. Current Data
c. Action Plan and Programs

Sociological Issue

a. Historical Reason for Disparity
b. Premarital Sex
c. Current Situation