Mysuru district records dip in no. of child marriages

Mysuru: Compared to 2023-24, the child marriage menace has dipped in Mysuru district in 2024-25. However, the numbers have increased compared to previous years including the Covid period.
According to the data shared by district Women and Child Welfare department, in 2024-25 (between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025), a total of 284 complaints regarding child marriage were received of which, 225 marriages were stopped, and 59 FIRs were registered against child marriage.
As per data, the highest number of child marriages were reported in Aug 2024. Two tribal-dominated taluks - HD Kote and Hunsur taluks, witnessed more cases than other taluks. Experts point out that early marriage for girl children is common among many tribals.
In 2019-20, there were just seven cases. The number increased to 31 in 2020-21, and to 33 in 2021-22. In 2022-23, 36 child marriages were held in the district, however, there was a spike in 2023-24, when the district recorded 70 cases of child marriages.
Member of the Child Welfare Committee, Mysuru, Mahadeva Kote attributed several factors to the increase in this number. He stated that he recently came across an incident where the groom was nearly double the bride's age who was only 15-16 years old.
He explained that social, economic, and cultural reasons can be attributed to increasing child marriages. "In few sections of the society, early marriages for girls is part of their culture," he explained.
With challenges like single parent or orthodox families staying in rural areas, who fear their girl may marry against their wishes, are two reasons for child marriages in villages. "In many incidents, teenage love results in child marriages as well," he said, and added that after SSLC and II PUC results, parents of many girls who failed their exams, get their daughters married off.