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.