Tamil Nadu government intensifies efforts to prevent child marriages, says Minister Geetha Jeevan

The Hindu

11-07-2025

Minister of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment P. Geetha Jeevan said that the Tamil Nadu government has been taking intensive measures to prevent child marriages in the state, while flagging off the World Population Day in Thoothukudi on Friday.
Aligned with this year's theme, 'Empowering Youth to Build the Families They Want,' the event, which took place at St. Mary's College, was presided over by Thoothukudi District Collector K. Elambahavath. At the event, Ms. Geetha Jeevan flagged off a rally, which saw the participation of college students and volunteers.
Addressing the media, she said, 'For the past four years Tamil Nadu government has been conducting continuous awareness campaigns among school and college students to prevent child marriages.' She added that awareness programmes are also being created among women groups and parents.
'Notably such programmes are being intensively carried out in districts such as Tiruvallur, Theni and Madurai,' she mentioned.
She emphasised that it is medically recommended that women marry only after the age of 18, as their bodies would be physically prepared for childbirth only after that age. However, recently, some reports from the Medical department revealed that several girls married before 18 have become pregnant.
The Minister noted that the government has been meeting with families of underage brides and taking legal action under the law. In many such cases, the girls began to avoid visiting hospitals, fearing exposure. She reiterated that the government is also working to raise awareness among them about the importance of healthcare.
At the event she also launched an awareness vehicle that will travel across the district to spread awareness about population control.