Is West Bengal Really the State with the Highest Child Marriages?
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Synopsis
The alarming rise of child marriages in West Bengal raises serious concerns. Amit Malviya, BJP's central observer, criticizes Mamata Banerjee's government for failing to protect the rights of young girls. This article delves into the impact of child marriages on society and the responsibilities of leadership in safeguarding the future of the state's youth.
Key Takeaways
- West Bengal has the highest child marriage rate in India at 6.3%.
- Amit Malviya criticizes the state government for failing to protect young girls.
- Child marriage undermines legal protections and constitutional rights.
- Historical figures like Vidyasagar fought against child marriage.
- Regressive practices threaten societal progress and child rights.
Kolkata, Sep 27 (NationPress) BJP's central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, criticized the Mamata Banerjee administration for West Bengal's alarming status as the state with the highest incidence of child marriages in India. He asserted that this situation has relegated the state into a cesspool, where the aspirations of innocent girls are being tragically extinguished.
Referring to recent data from the sample registration report released earlier this month, which indicated that West Bengal has seen a 6.3 percent rate of females marrying before the legal age of 18, Malviya stated, "A Bengal that now leads India in child marriage cannot be regarded as Vidyasagar's Bengal, nor Tagore's Bengal. It is now Mamata's Bengal, and the disgrace is fully hers."
He emphasized that such a significant rate of early marriages would have been unthinkable in West Bengal, historically known for figures like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, who championed the Widow Remarriage Act of 1856 to combat child marriage and protect child widows.
"Sadly, in Mamata Banerjee's West Bengal, child marriage is on the rise. Young girls are being stripped of their rights, dignity, and autonomy, reversing the very reforms that Vidyasagar fought tirelessly for. This is not the Bengal that Vidyasagar envisioned, nor is it the Bengal of Rabindranath Tagore, who also opposed social injustices that plagued society," Malviya's statement continued.
He remarked that such a high number of child marriages not only contravenes the laws of Bharat but also undermines the essence of our Constitution.
"Mamata Banerjee's empty slogan of 'Ma, Maati, and Maanush' has been exposed. The regression of a once progressive populace, inspired by the values of Vidyasagar and Tagore, rests solely on her shoulders. Her coarse and abusive politics desecrate the memories of Bengal's greatest heroes daily," Malviya concluded.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the implications of rising child marriage rates in West Bengal. Such statistics challenge the developmental narrative of the state and highlight the urgent need for effective governance. Leaders must prioritize the rights of children and ensure that societal progress is not hampered by regressive practices.
NationPress
14/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current child marriage rate in West Bengal?
The recent statistics indicate that the rate of child marriages in West Bengal is at 6.3%, the highest in India.
Who is Amit Malviya?
Amit Malviya is the BJP central observer for West Bengal and has been vocal about the state's child marriage crisis.
What historical figures are associated with combating child marriage in Bengal?
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar is a key figure known for advocating against child marriage, having contributed to the Widow Remarriage Act of 1856.
What are the implications of child marriage on society?
Child marriage denies young girls their rights and agency, perpetuating cycles of poverty and social injustice.
How does this issue reflect on current governance in West Bengal?
The rise in child marriages reflects poorly on the current governance, raising questions about the effectiveness of policies aimed at protecting children.
