Early Marriage: A bar of Social Progress

Early marriage (Child marriage) is a big problem in Indian society. Though an ancient practice, this custom is still prevalent in many parts of India, especially the rural areas. A bad custom, early Marriage is not only a hindrance to social progress but also a curse to civilization. Marriage of less than eighteen year girl is called early Marriage. This paper tries to examine the causes and effects of child marriage and try to identify the steps to be taken for sort out the problem. Poverty, unemployment or under employment, illiteracy, economic or financial inability of the family, custom, traditional beliefs and social mind-set, developing relational alliances amid families for other business or financial upholds, gender inequalities in the society, trafficking in women and children and dowry system are the main causes of early marriage. Empowering girl child and motivating their families against the adverse effects of child marriage support their skills and empower them, Providing economic and financial support to the girl child, and the age-old practice of child marriage and dowry should be cheeked more vigorously. Marriage registration should be made compulsory and local bodies should be involved in the process.