Much needs to be done against child marriages: Experts

Though attempts have been made to raise awareness on the pitfalls of child marriages, much needs to be done on the issue that needs real time solutions, experts said Thursday.

"The issue of child marriage is related to the prevailing social structures and mindset. Although many attempts have been made to create awareness on the issue, there is much that still needs to be done," Kushal Singh, chairperson, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) said at a conclave here.

The 'National Consultation on Draft Plan of Action on Prevention of Child Marriage' was organised by the women and child development ministry.

Nita Chowdhury, secretary, ministry for women and child development, said: "We still have a huge burden of child marriage in the country which needs solutions that can work at the grass roots level."

"We need real solutions and real models that have worked in various states," she added.

Chowdhury said there have been some success stories in many states where religious and community leaders have been involved along with activists to reach out to adolescent boys and girls.

The aim of the national consultation involving various ministries, civil society organisations and other stakeholders was to deliberate on the strategic interventions that can be implemented through convergent and multi-dimensional approaches.