Kaithal, August 20, 2025: Nine villages in Kaithal district have passed resolutions to socially boycott families found involved in child marriages, particularly of girls, during special gram sabha sessions held last week.
The resolutions were passed in Sisla, Jakholi Kaman, Sega, Shergarh, Keorak, Narwal, Dhand, Kaul and Kakal villages as part of Independence Week programmes. District development and panchayat officer (DDPO) Ritu Lathar said the initiative followed directions from deputy commissioner Preeti.
“In the villages, under full compliance of the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, a proposal was passed to socially boycott the families who get involved in child marriage. The proposal was passed that all the members of the gram sabha strongly oppose child marriage and in future if any family is found involved in any case of child marriage, then it will be socially boycotted,” Lathar said.
Officials said awareness camps were also conducted during these sessions to highlight the health and social harms of child marriage. Alongside, discussions were held on the implementation of government welfare schemes.
Lathar noted that under the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006, girls below 18 years and boys below 21 years are considered minors, and child marriage is not only illegal but also a social evil. “Marrying at a young age ruins the future of the person. It has a negative impact on the body. Parents should not marry their children before the prescribed age, rather develop skills in them till they become adults and understand the human body and relations,” she said.
The Haryana women and child development department has already deputed child marriage prohibition officers in every district to monitor and prevent such practices, particularly during Akshaya Tritiya (Akha Teej), when mass weddings are traditionally organised.
Under the Act, organisers of child marriages face imprisonment up to two years and fines up to ₹1 lakh. Owners and managers of community centres, banquet halls, and marriage venues have also been directed to verify and retain copies of age certificates of brides and grooms before hosting ceremonies.
Moreover, priests, sarpanches, panchayat members and municipal councillors have been encouraged to check age documents and immediately inform authorities if they come across instances of underage marriages.
Historically, Haryana has struggled with child marriage cases.
Child marriage in Haryana, particularly involving girls, has deep historical and socio-economic roots. Even though the practice has declined over the decades due to legislation and social change, the state has long struggled with the problem compared to many other regions in India.
Historical Background
- Traditional practices: Child marriage has existed in Haryana for centuries, influenced by patriarchal customs, agrarian lifestyles, and community norms. Girls were often married young to “secure” their futures, maintain family honor, and strengthen caste or clan ties.
- Dowry and social status: Families believed marrying daughters early reduced dowry demands and protected them from the perceived “risks” of adolescence. In rural Haryana, where land ownership and family honor were paramount, early marriages were considered safeguards.
- Purdah and control over women: Historically, Haryana’s rigid gender norms emphasized control over female sexuality. Early marriage was seen as a way to prevent relationships outside caste lines and to ensure girls adhered to social expectations.
Why the Struggle Has Persisted
- Patriarchal Culture
Haryana is known for deeply entrenched patriarchy. Practices like khap panchayats (community councils) have traditionally reinforced early marriage, linking it with honor and social acceptance. - Skewed Sex Ratio
The state has one of the lowest child sex ratios in India, historically due to female foeticide and neglect of girls. With fewer girls, their “protection” became even more tightly policed, fueling the idea of marrying them early to prevent dishonor. - Economic Factors
In poorer farming families, marrying girls early reduced the financial “burden” on households. Girls were often seen as temporary members of the natal home, destined to leave after marriage, so families invested less in their education and well-being. - Educational Gaps
Until recent decades, access to schools, especially for girls, was limited in rural Haryana. Without education, girls had fewer opportunities, and parents felt marriage was the only path. - Weak Law Enforcement
Despite the Child Marriage Restraint Act (1929) and later the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006), enforcement has remained weak. Community pressure often outweighed legal risk, and local authorities were reluctant to intervene in private family matters. - Khap Panchayats and Customary Pressure
Informal caste councils wielded influence over villages and often upheld child marriage as tradition. They resisted outside interference, making eradication more difficult.
Shifts Over Time
- Post-independence reforms and the spread of education began slowly shifting attitudes.
- Government schemes, like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter), targeted Haryana directly because of its gender imbalance and high rates of early marriage.
- Urbanization and awareness campaigns have gradually weakened the practice, though it lingers in rural belts.
While child marriages have declined, Haryana continues to face cases, particularly in marginalized communities. Surveys suggest that poverty, caste pressure, and honor-related fears still push families toward marrying girls before the legal age of 18. According to activists, the COVID-19 pandemic even saw a rise in underage marriages, as school closures and economic stress increased vulnerability.
Haryana’s struggle with child marriage reflects larger issues—gender inequality, son preference, and the control of women’s choices. The state has made progress, but the weight of history, social norms, and structural inequality makes the issue stubbornly persistent.
