Topic: GS-1: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
GS-2: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
2. Discuss how child marriages in India lead to an intergenerational cycle of poverty. Also suggest some measures to curb this menace. (250 words)
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
The question is based on the impact of child marriages and its impact on poverty.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain how the risks associated with child marriage do not end with girls married before 18: It leads to an intergenerational cycle of poverty that adversely impacts the economy.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with facts related to child marriages in India.
Body:
Recent estimates by United Nations Children’s Fund projected that an additional 10 million girls globally will be at risk of child marriages over the next decade due to COVID-19. This may be the case despite years of significant global gains.
The risks associated with child marriage do not end with girls who are married before 18: it leads to an intergenerational cycle of poverty that adversely impacts the economy. It puts girls at risk of being denied access to education, which impacts their autonomy and their access to health care.
Child marriages perpetuate gender discrimination, which in turn lead to malnutrition and reproductive health issues. The ongoing pandemic has undermined the progress made towards achieving gender rights and educational parity for girls.
Suggest what need to be done.
Conclusion:
Conclude with suitable solutions.
