In recent years, despite significant progress in school enrollment and the rising number of girls pursuing education, child marriages continue to be a pressing issue. Recent surveys and statistics indicate that reported figures are likely just the tip of the iceberg. Over the past five years, the United Anantapur district has reported a troubling total of 1,425 child marriage cases.

The situation has worsened notably over time. In 2020, there were 130 reported cases, but this number surged to 200 in 2021. Alarmingly, these incidents of child marriage are particularly prevalent in 22 out of the 63 mandals within the district. This trend highlights the need for urgent intervention and continued efforts to address and combat the practice of child marriages.

The spike in reported child marriages despite increasing school enrollment and educational pursuits among girls can be attributed to several interrelated factors:

Socioeconomic Factors: In many regions, poverty and economic hardship drive families to marry off their children early. Marrying off daughters can be seen as a way to alleviate financial burdens or secure financial support from the groom's family.

Cultural Norms and Tradition: Deep-rooted cultural practices and traditions continue to perpetuate child marriages. In some communities, marrying off young girls is considered normal or even necessary for upholding family honor and social status.

Lack of Awareness and Education: Despite increasing school enrollment, not all children benefit equally from education. Lack of awareness about the legal age of marriage and the long-term implications of child marriages can contribute to their persistence.

Weak Law Enforcement: The enforcement of laws against child marriage may be inadequate. Corruption, lack of resources, and insufficient training for law enforcement can lead to weak implementation of existing regulations.

Social Pressures: In some areas, social pressures and peer influences may lead to a higher incidence of child marriages. Families might feel pressured to conform to societal expectations or avoid stigma associated with delaying marriage.

Increased Reporting: The spike in reported cases may also reflect increased awareness and better reporting mechanisms rather than an actual increase in the practice. Communities might be more willing to report cases now due to improved social support systems and advocacy against child marriage.

Challenges in Policy Implementation: While policies and initiatives might be in place to combat child marriage, challenges in effective implementation can result in gaps between policy and practice.

Overall, addressing the spike in child marriages requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving education, increasing economic opportunities, enforcing laws effectively, and challenging cultural norms.