Child marriage: 670 cases registered in three-year period

Over 670 cases of child marriage were registered from 2012 to 2014, Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.

"As per data of the National Crime Records Bureau, a total number of 169, 222 and 280 case have been registered under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 in the year 2012, 2013 and 2014," Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said in a written reply.

She said the government is concerned about prevalence of child marriages in the country and has put in place necessary legislation to tackle the problem.

"The States/UTs from time to time are being regularly pursued for effective implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. Further, States governments are requested to take special initiatives to delay marriages by coordinated efforts on 'Akha Teej'-the traditional day for such marriages," Gandhi said.

Advertisements in the press and electronic media educating people about the issue of child marriage etc. are also being taken up.

Platforms such as International Women's Day and the National Girl Child Day are used to create awareness on issues related to women and bring to the centre stage issues such as child marriage, she said.