Tag: Child Marriage Act

The Act was introduced in the parliament as it was felt that though the Child Marriage (Restraint) Act, 1929 was effective in its own way, there were some necessary changes to make it absolutely effective.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

1. The Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 was enacted with a view to restraining solemnization of child marriages. The Act was subsequently amended in 1949 and 1978 in order, inter alia, to raise the age limit of the male and female persons for the purpose of Marriage; The Act, though restrains solemnization of child marriages yet it does not declare them to be void or invalid. The solemnization of child marriages is punishable under the Act.

2. There has been a growing demand for making the provisions of Act more effective and the punishment there under more stringent so as to eradicate or effectively prevent the evil practice of solemnization of child marriages in the country. This will enhance the health of children and the status of women. The National Commission for Women in its Annual Report for the year 1995-96 recommended that the Government should appoint Child Marriage Prevention Officers immediately. Continue reading “The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006”

WHY WAS THE ACT INTRODUCED ?

TO PROMOTE A BROADER CONTEXT OF EQUALITY AND ECONOMIC WELL BEING.

Poverty perpetuates child marriage – while we focus specifically on addressing this issue, it is important to ensure that investments are being made to reduce poverty. Child marriage is more prevalent in poor households and in poor communities. Almost all countries in which more than 50 percent of girls are married before the age of 18 have GDP per capita under $2,000 per year.

Communities throughout the developing world are mobilizing to end child marriage. They want to offer their daughters better and different lives. Grassroots and community-based groups in a number of countries are trying to eradicate this harmful traditional practice, but their efforts are hampered by lack of funds and coordination

The time has come for development policies to focus on and respond to the special needs and vulnerabilities of married women and young married girls. We need to act now to help communities prevent child marriage in order to make marriage safe and healthy for all. Continue reading “The Child Marriage (Restraint) Act, 1929”