Rise in early marriages in Far West: A growing concern

Dhangadhi- The Far West region is witnessing a concerning rise in early marriages, with increasing complaints lodged with the police each year.

In the financial year 2078/79, five complaints of child marriage were registered with the police, including five in Kailali, two in Darchula, one in Dadeldhura, and one in Kanchanpur. The following financial year, 2079/80, saw five cases in Kailali, two in Baitadi, and two in Kanchanpur.

The trend continues upward, with the financial year 2080/81 recording seven complaints in Bajura and Doti, three in Kailali, and one each in Baitadi and Dadeldhura, totaling 17 complaints over three years, according to the provincial police office.

Legal provisions stipulate a punishment of three to five years for child marriage.

However, police officers attribute the rise in cases to the misuse of social media, noting that many parents fail to educate their children on its proper use. Rights activists emphasize the need to curb child marriage to address issues related to maternal and child health.

Early marriage leads to young mothers, which negatively impacts the health of both mother and child. Health professionals warn that early pregnancies can have severe health repercussions, underscoring the urgency of addressing this growing problem.