Raising Age at Marriage of Girls in India: Future Policy Interventions

Abstract

This document highlights the significance of raising age at marriage of girls in India. Using available research findings it gives data on existing inter-state differentials. Substantial evidence suggests that higher female age at marriage will have a positive influence on the young women’s knowledge about contraception and will foster favorable attitudes toward and adoption of family planning (FP). In addition census records show that the mean age at marriage of females in India was raised from 12.77 years to 17.90 years during 1891-1981 an average rise of 0.57 years per decade. By 1984 however female age at marriage had not yet reached desirable levels in most of the country. Religion caste and endogamy the existence of joint or extended family systems the norm of arranged marriages and socioeconomic factors are the major causes for early marriage age for females. Legislation on age at marriage played a limited role in raising the marriage age of girls. Policy measures and an action plan are suggested.