Child and Early Forced Marriage (CEFM) in Odisha

Dr Mili Das

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.73834

Child and Early Forced Marriage (CEFM) in Odisha

Author(s)	Dr Mili Das
Country	India
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.
Keywords	Child marriage, early marriage, forced marriage, Odisha, gender inequality, adolescent girls, education, maternal health, socio-economic factors, NFHS
Field	Sociology > Economics
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-04-08
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.73834

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Child and Early Forced Marriage (CEFM) in Odisha

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