Peer-reviewed article
Child and Early Forced Marriage (CEFM) in Odisha
Dr Das ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examines child and early forced marriage (CEFM) in Odisha, India, using secondary data from national surveys. While female child marriage rates have declined over time, the reduction is slower than the national average, and significant disparities exist between districts. The analysis shows that child marriage is linked to poverty, gender inequality, and low education, and it causes serious harm including higher maternal and child mortality, school dropout, and increased vulnerability to violence. The study recommends strengthening education, economic opportunities, community awareness, and legal implementation to address this multidimensional problem.
Key points
- Female child marriage rates in Odisha have declined but at a slower pace than the national average
- Significant inter-district variations in child marriage prevalence exist within Odisha
- Strong negative correlation found between literacy levels and child marriage rates
- Early marriage is associated with adverse health outcomes including higher maternal and child mortality and poor nutritional status
- Child marriage leads to school dropout, limited decision-making agency, and increased vulnerability to domestic violence
Limitations
This is a secondary data analysis based on surveys and literature review without primary data collection or qualitative insights from affected communities. The document describes associations and correlations but does not establish causal mechanisms or evaluate the effectiveness of specific interventions.
Abstract
Child and Early Forced Marriage (CEFM) continue to be a significant social and public health concern in Odisha, despite legal provisions and policy interventions. Rooted in poverty, gender inequality, cultural norms, and limited access to education, child marriage disproportionately affects girls, restricting their rights, health, and socio-economic opportunities. The study is based on secondary data analysis using sources such as National Family Health Survey (NFHS) reports and relevant literature. It examines trends over time, inter-district variations, and the relationship between child marriage and key socio-economic indicators such as literacy and health outcomes in Odisha, with comparative insights at the national level. Findings indicate a decline in female child marriage in Odisha from earlier decades; however, the rate of reduction is slower than the national average. Significant disparities persist across districts, with some regions reporting high prevalence rates. The analysis reveals a negative correlation between literacy and child marriage, highlighting education as a critical determinant. Early marriage is associated with adverse health outcomes, including higher maternal and child mortality, early pregnancies, and poor nutritional status. Additionally, it contributes to school dropout, limited agency, and increased vulnerability to domestic violence. Child marriage remains a multidimensional issue requiring integrated and sustained interventions. Strengthening educational access, enhancing socio-economic opportunities, promoting community awareness, and ensuring effective implementation of legal frameworks are essential. A life-cycle approach focusing on empowering adolescents with knowledge, skills, and decision-making capacity is crucial for eliminating CEFM and achieving broader development and gender equality goals.