Child marriages on decline: NCPCR study

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has released a study revealing a positive trend in the decline of child marriages in India.

Top States with the highest number of child marriages: Karnataka leads with 215 cases, followed by Assam with 163 cases, and Tamil Nadu with 155 cases.

Preventive Measures: The NCPCR has implemented various preventive measures, including family counseling, school reintegration efforts, and coordination with law enforcement.

Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006: The study highlights the efforts made under this act to combat child marriage.

About the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006 

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006 is an important piece of legislation in India aimed at preventing child marriages and protecting the rights of children.

Objective: The Act aims to prohibit the solemnization of child marriages and provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. 

Legal Age: The legal age for marriage is set at 18 years for women and 21 years for men.

Protection and Assistance: The Act provides protection and assistance to the victims of child marriages, including the appointment of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers.

Penalties: The Act prescribes penalties for those who perform, permit, or promote child marriages. 

Amendments: There have been discussions and proposals to amend the Act to further strengthen its provisions and raise the legal age of marriage for women to 21 years.