Andhra Pradesh Ranks Highest In Child Marriages Among Five Southern States, NFHS-5 Reports

The existence of child marriages in India is a blot on society. Child marriages are marital ties that happen between a child and another or with an adult. As per a news report, India ranks 14th on the list of the highest rate of child marriages in the world, according to the International Centre of Woman Research 2021. Now, according to the recent report of the National Family Health Survey-5, there’s a list of states of India where child marriages are still happening at a high rate. Among the south Indian states, Andhra Pradesh ranks the highest in child marriage.

The survey took place in five southern states, Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest percentage. The state has a rate of 29.3% in underage marriages as per NFHS-5

The lowest rate of child marriages was recorded in Kerala with 6.3%. However, The percentage rate of Andhra Pradesh has comparatively decreased from the NFHS-4 report. It was 33% in NFHS-4. So I guess, silver lining?

Telangana is second on the list with a rate of 23.5%. It is followed by Karnataka with 21.3% and Tamil Nadu with 12.8%. The two cities in Andhra Pradesh that recorded the highest rate of child marriages were Anantapur and Prakasam with 37.3% each. Kurnool in the state stands second with 36.9%. 

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The NFHS-5 was conducted between July 2 and November 14, 2019, and a total of 11,346 households were surveyed. There were 10,975 women and 1,558 men among the survey participants. Several women in the 15-19 year age group had already become mothers, according to the survey. According to The New Indian Express, the ICDS officials stated Covid-19 to be one of the major reasons for the spike in child marriages.

Also Read: NFHS Reveals More Girls And Women Practicing Menstrual Hygiene. Finally, Some Good News!

Child marriage is a curse on society and highlights many root causes that widely exist. They are mainly illiteracy, gender inequality, social norms, and the idea of girls being a burden to the family. The reports are an eye-opener that brings to the surface the raging problems such as this one, and also give a moment to reflect on the underlying causes which require even more attention.

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