Marriages in India are arranged by the parents. Parents are worried about their responsibility and the social customs. Child marriages are prevalent in India in spite of the laws against child marriage. Even before girls attain puberty, they are forced to marry due to many reasons.
Stealing the innocence of ignorant children, thousands of girl children are forced into marriage every year. The U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child has declared that marriage before the age of 18 is a human rights violation. Just two days back, on April 20, 2012, a team of police officers and district administration
officers were attacked by a group of villagers who were carrying out the child marriages in Jhalawar district, in the Indian state Rajasthan. UCAN news website http://www.ucanindia.in/news/villagers-attack-police-officials-for-stopping-child-marriages/17598/daily reports about this sad incident.The police and the government officers were already aware of such child marriages which usually occur on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya day. When they had rumors that about 30 minors were being illegally married in a group wedding ceremony at Prithvipura village, they reached the spot for enquiry. They found that 30 minors were being illegally married in a group wedding ceremony at Prithavipura village. The villagers counteracted and attacked the policemen and officers. Six of them were injured.
Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej, an auspicious occasion of marriages
Akshaya Tritiya (Akha Teej) is considered as an auspicious occasion for purchasing gold and for arranging functions for prosperity. This day is hailed
as the day of eternal success. It is a very auspicious day for arranging marriages and beginning new businesses. The Hindus all over the country long to arrange marriages on this auspicious Akshaya Tritiya Day, which falls this year on 24 April. They believe that a life begun on this day will be prosperous for ever. Many people make long-term investments such as purchasing gold or precious metals, investing in real estate, and so on.Marriages in India are arranged only by the parents. People who are anxious to fulfill their duty as early as possible settle the marriages of their children, even though they are minors. Culture of the country forces such marriages since the girls have no voice in the society. Girls forced into early marriage in spite of the government law of marriage. Many girls, below the age of 12, are actually sold in marriage to settle the family debt.
Darkening the future of girls, child marriage is still active
Taboos, superstitions, ignorance, and poverty culminate in forced child marriages. On auspicious occasions such as Akshaya Tritiya hundreds of girls as young as 10 are married off. Their whole future is darkened as these innocent and immature girls bow their heads to be tied with wedding knots.
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/11991785-child-marriage-still-in-existence-in-india