Rajasthan has long been known for the social malady of child marriage. Due to entrenched social traditions and rural lifestyles, young girls were often married off during their childhood. Child marriage not only violates the rights of children but also affects education, health, and overall social development.
It is therefore extremely encouraging that recent reports indicate a historic decline in child marriage rates in Rajasthan. Between 2022 and 2024, the incidence dropped by 67% among boys and 66% among girls.
This achievement is not a coincidence but the result of long-running programs and awareness campaigns. Initiatives by the state government focusing on education and women’s empowerment have made a tangible impact. Panchayat-level monitoring, promotion of education in schools, and community dialogue have all contributed to this change. The “Child Marriage-Free Rajasthan” campaign has spread awareness and garnered social support for this cause.
However, challenges still remain. Poverty, lack of education, and traditional mindsets in rural and backward areas continue to encourage child marriage. Families sometimes marry off girls early due to economic or social pressures. Concerns regarding health, wellness, and safety also influence women. Addressing these challenges requires not only government policies but also a shift in societal attitudes.
Rajasthan’s achievement serves as a model for the entire country. It demonstrates that social evils can be transformed through education, awareness, and legal safeguards. To sustain this progress, it is necessary to strengthen employment and women’s empowerment programs, enforce laws against child marriage rigorously, and maintain active community-level monitoring.
A child marriage-free Rajasthan will not only secure and brighten the lives of girls but also mark a milestone in the state’s overall development and women’s empowerment. This model sends a positive message across India: social change is challenging, but it is not impossible.
