- During his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, New Delhi, the Prime Minister hinted that the Central Government is mulling over to increase the marriageable age of girls from the current 18 years to 21 years, at par with the boys. The Union Ministry for Women and Child Development has already set up a task force to examine the possibility of increasing the age of marriage for girls. The reason cited for the move is to reduce the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), improve nutritional levels and, other related issues.
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- It is not out of place to deliberate here that the minimum age of marriage for men and women was initially introduced to combat the menace of child marriages that was widely prevalent leading to several health issues, especially Maternal Mortality Rates, which used to see an uptick owing to lack of awareness as also inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Combined with poor health and nutritional deficiencies back then unlike present times, the girl-women faced unmitigated challenges during the pregnancy period. No wonder, mortality rates were much higher.
- Underdeveloped girlchild entering wedlock, subsequent pregnancy at a tender age, and tribulations encountered during delivery were the most common issues resulting in high mortality rates. Just to make we are more aware of the acts governing the matter, Section 5(iii) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 sets 18 years as the minimum age for the bride and 21 years for the groom. Note that child marriages can be declared void at the request of the minor. Unfortunately, widely prevailing social practices of yore and lack of awareness to this day is quite apparent.
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- However, in Islam, the marriage of minor attaining puberty is considered valid. Also, note that the Special Marriage Act, 1954, and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Acts, 2006 prescribe 18 and 21 years as the minimum age of consent for marriage for women and men, respectively. Times have undergone considerable changes as the present generation, irrespective of gender, are not only overtly aspirational but also quite keen to explore opportunities galore to further their chosen interests.
- Gender equality is finally taking center-stage and yielding desired results after decades of efforts owing to sustained campaigning exhorting the inevitability of discarding despicable bias. Mantra now is marching towards gender-neutral society. As such, the Central Government’s move to increase the age of marriage for girls makes logical sense placing them at par with their male counterparts. Most importantly, by increasing the age, the nutritional requirements of the women too would be addressed adequately.
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- However, society’s socio-economic understanding requires transformation badly as the family still views marrying off girls even before attaining an appropriate age to reduce the burden. Yes, the mind-set continues to remain unaltered vis-à-vis girl-child. Education and economic fulfillment alone guarantees liberation, nothing else. As such, no second-guessing here and the move is most welcome indeed but alongside socio-economic strengthening!
