As in the last two years, this year too, the Vasundhara Raje government has claimed that it will take steps to prevent child marriages, most of which take place during Akha Teej. From issuing letters to district heads and sarpanchs, telling them about the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, the government has also asked district authorities to be alert and prevent child marriages from taking place in their respective areas.

Despite government efforts to prevent child marriages in the state, tribals were spotted shopping for brides and grooms in Udaipur on Wednesday morning.

The father of a 17-year-old groom-to-be from a nearby village, Udeshwar Mahadev said, “He is not young. He took his class XII examination this year. He has also started working, then how can he be called a child?”

Another family from Kundanpura, a small village near Jaipur, is busy in last-minute preparations for their 15-year-old daughter’s wedding. Her mehendi ceremony was held on Monday. The pheras will be held on Thursday evening. About 50-odd people had gathered for puja at Kundanpura on Tuesday, and all of them were aware that the bride is a minor. “Look at her. She can easily pass off as an 18-year-old. And that’s what we have told the pujari,” said her maternal grandmother.

Authorities admit that child marriages are quite common among tribals. In the rural areas of Udaipur, Dungarpura, Baswada, Shirohi, Bikaner and other districts, over 60 per cent girls are married off before they turn 18. However, the authorities still claim that things have changed. And they are right. Instead of mass child marriage ceremonies, the tribals now prefer a small private ceremonies. Earlier, most child brides and grooms were below the age of 12. Today, to avoid any legal hassles, parents wait for their children to turn 15. So, things have certainly changed.

“It’s difficult to know the girl’s actual age. Those above 15, can easily be passed off as 18-year-olds. They neither have a birth certificate nor have they been to school. Authorities are compelled to believe what family and neighbours say. However, the situation is not as bad as it used to be. We have been able to prevent a number of child marriages,” says Alka Kala, Principal Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development.

Kala added that since mass marriages are not held, child marriages are held throughout the year.