Data Reveals Odisha Reports 3 Child Marriages Daily, This District Tops the Chart | Check Full List

Bhubaneshwar: The government in its recent report revealed that Odisha has reported an average of three child marriages daily over the past six years. According to the data, between 2019 and February 2025, Odisha recorded a total of 8,159 child marriages, PTI reported.

Activists have attributed this alarming figure to several factors, including tribal customs, dowry systems, migration of labour families, and parental concerns over the risk of their daughters eloping, PTI reported.

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Among the state's 30 districts, Nabarangpur topped the list with 1,347 reported cases. Ganjam followed with 966 cases, and Koraput ranked third with 636. Other districts with high numbers included Mayurbhanj (594), Rayagada (408), Balasore (361), Keonjhar (328), Kandhamal (308), and Nayagarh (308).

On the other hand, Jharsuguda reported the lowest number of child marriages, with only 57 cases during the same period.

Social activist Namrata Chadha explained that child marriage cannot be eradicated overnight. She emphasized the need to create a supportive environment for girls and their families, so they don’t resort to such practices. Traditional tribal customs, particularly among the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, often drive child marriages. Moreover, parents who migrate for work tend to marry off their daughters early, fearing that delaying marriage could lead to the risk of their daughters eloping, which would bring shame to the family.

Child Labour A Challenge in Odisha

In tandem with child marriage, Odisha continues to struggle with child labour. Over the past six years, 328 children have been rescued from labour exploitation.

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In 2019-20, 85 children were saved, followed by 4 in 2020-21 and 43 in 2021-22. A total of 107 children were rescued in 2022-23, with 44 more in 2023-24. As of February 15 this year, authorities have rescued 45 child labourers.

The government has filed 159 cases under the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, against those employing minors.

A state-level action plan to eliminate child labour is being implemented in collaboration with nine departments. Police officers and district labour officials are undergoing training for better enforcement of the Child & Adolescent Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986.

Furthermore, large-scale awareness campaigns are being conducted across the state to prevent child labour.