Issues related to Family & Marriage, Elderly people and the Disabled in the present Indian Society

Sol –

Impact of child marriage on women’s health –

Poor Health Indicators: Early-age pregnancies negatively affect the health of foetus.
1. Raises maternal mortality and morbidity rates.
2. 23.3% of women aged 20-24 were married before 18, leading to higher health risks(NFHS-5).
High Child Mortality: Children born to young mothers have higher mortality rates and health issues(NFHS-5).
Nutritional Deficiencies: Unpreparedness leads to various deficiencies in the mother and child.
Increased STD Risk: Young brides are at higher risk for HIV and other STDs (NFHS-4)
Mental Health issues: Domestic violence can lead to PTSD and depression.
Higher Risk of Abuse: Young married women often face domestic and sexual abuse and social isolation.
Increased Fertility Rates: Lack of awareness about family planning leads to higher reproductive rates.

Sol –

How Socialization and Traditions Sustain Child Marriage

Socialization → From early childhood, children are taught that marrying girls early is normal and a family duty.
Traditions and cultural beliefs view early marriage as a way to protect family honor, preserve caste purity, and control female sexuality. Example: In rural India, marrying girls early is seen as protecting them from premarital relations.
Patriarchal Mindset → Women’s role is limited to marriage and childbearing, reinforcing early marriages.
Economic Factors → treats girls as economic burdens, encouraging early marriage to reduce dowry costs.
Community Pressure → Fear of social ostracism for not marrying daughters early.
Religious & Regional Practices → Legitimize and perpetuate child marriage. Example: Rajasthan sees child marriage peak during Akha Teej festival.
Limited Education & Poverty → Reduces awareness, limits alternatives for girls.
- NFHS-5 (2019–21): 23.3% of women aged 20–24 married before 18.

Sol –

Measures that the Rajasthan government has taken to control child marriages

Data:- According to the National Family Health Survey-5, 25.4% of women aged 20 to 24 years in the state were married before the age of 18 years.
Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006
Appointment of “Child Marriage Prohibition Officers” under sub-section 16 of section 6 of the Child Marriage Prohibition Act 2006.
“Prevention, Protection and Prosecution” model has been adopted.
Under the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Rules, 1996, the village sarpanch is responsible for preventing child marriage.
Childline 1098
Operation Ladli: Campaign to stop child marriage
Organizing “Chetana Baithak” with eminent persons among public representatives.
Emphasis on printing the birth dates of the bride and groom.
Setting up control rooms in district and subdivision offices on “Abujh Saavo” like Akshaya Tritiya and Peepal Purnima.
Collectively discussing the ill effects of child marriage in gram sabhas and taking action to prevent it.
To prevent child marriage, a calling facility should be available 24 hours a day on 181 call center and the 100 police control room.
Providing information about the ill effects of child marriage and related legal provisions in schools

Sol –

Constitutional Provisions

Article 41: Directs the State to make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education, and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement.
Article 46: Promotes the educational and economic interests of weaker sections of the society, including differently-abled persons, and protects them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.

(General points that can be added)

Legal Provisions

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016:
1. 4% reservation in jobs and education.
2. Mandates accessibility in public services.
3. Social security, healthcare, and rehabilitation provisions.
4. Protection from discrimination and abuse.
The National Trust Act, 1999: Supports persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and multiple disabilities.
Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992: Regulates training of rehabilitation professionals.
Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Provides mental healthcare services and protects the rights of persons with mental illness.

Schemes and Policies

Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS): Financial assistance for education and rehabilitation.
Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan): Aims to make public spaces and services accessible.
National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006: Comprehensive measures for rehabilitation and support.

These provisions ensure equality, non-discrimination, and opportunities for differently-abled individuals in India.