Daily Current Affairs : 19-October-2023
In recent times, the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill has taken center stage in the Indian parliamentary committee’s discussions. This bill, introduced in 2021, aims to increase the legal age of marriage for women from 18 to 21, a move that has sparked debates and concerns among various stakeholders.
Understanding the Background
The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha and referred to the Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports, seeks to establish parity in the minimum marriageable age for men and women, superseding all existing customs and practices. The panel has been granted multiple extensions to deliberate on this critical matter.
The Issue of Marriageable Age in India
Child marriage has plagued Indian society for centuries. Despite legislative efforts, data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) reveals that a significant percentage of girls are married off before the age of 18, highlighting the persistent challenge.
Significance of the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill
The bill’s proponents argue that raising the marriageable age would empower girls, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue education and build careers. Additionally, it is seen as a step towards resolving various gender-related issues such as maternal and infant mortality rates.
Challenges and Criticisms
However, critics raise valid concerns. They question the need to raise the marriageable age when other legal rights, like voting and abortion, are granted at 18. Some fear the legislation might lead to unintended consequences, such as an increase in sex-selective abortions and the perpetuation of existing social pressures.
Global Perspectives on Marriageable Age
Comparatively, India’s proposed age of 21 for marriage stands out globally. Many countries, including Australia, Finland, France, and Germany, have set the marriageable age at 18 for both genders. New Zealand has it at 20, while Singapore enforces additional requirements for individuals under 21, emphasizing parental consent and special licenses.
Important Points:
- Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill:
- Seeks to increase the legal age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years.
- Aims to establish parity in the minimum marriageable age for men and women, overriding existing customs and practices.
- Background:
- Introduced in Lok Sabha in December 2021, referred to the Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports.
- The panel granted multiple extensions to deliberate on the bill.
- Issue of Marriageable Age in India:
- Despite legislative efforts, child marriage persists in many parts of India.
- NFHS-5 data shows a significant percentage of girls married before the age of 18.
- Significance of the Bill:
- Empowers girls by allowing them more time for education and career development.
- Aims to address gender-related issues such as maternal and infant mortality rates.
- Challenges and Criticisms:
- Questioning the need to raise marriageable age when other legal rights are granted at 18 (voting, abortion).
- Concerns about potential unintended consequences, including an increase in sex-selective abortions and social pressures.
- Global Perspectives on Marriageable Age:
- Many countries, including Australia, Finland, France, and Germany, have set the marriageable age at 18 for both genders.
- New Zealand has it at 20, while Singapore enforces additional requirements for individuals under 21, such as parental consent and special licenses.
Why In News
A parliamentary committee was recently examining the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to increase the age of marriage for women, aiming to enhance their social and economic empowerment while fostering a safer environment for young girls to pursue education and personal growth.
MCQs about Navigating India’s Marriageable Age Dilemma
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What is the primary objective of the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill in India?
A. To decrease the legal age of marriage for women to 16 years
B. To increase the legal age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years
C. To establish different marriageable ages for urban and rural areas
D. To abolish the concept of minimum marriageable age for women
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What major concern do critics raise regarding the proposed increase in the marriageable age in India?
A. Fear of decreasing the population growth rate
B. Concerns about an increase in sex-selective abortions and social pressures
C. Worries about the rise in divorce rates
D. Belief that marriageable age should be reduced to 16 for girls
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How does India’s proposed marriageable age compare to several other countries globally?
A. India’s proposed age is lower than most countries
B. India’s proposed age is higher than most countries
C. India’s proposed age is the same as most countries
D. India has no specific legal age for marriage
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What is the main reason cited by proponents for increasing the marriageable age in India?
A. To discourage people from getting married
B. To promote early marriages for girls
C. To empower girls by allowing them more time for education and career development
D. To enforce stricter control over marriages
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