Over 8000 child marriage instances reported in last 6 years in Odisha, informs Dy CM in Assembly

Child marriages continue to persist in Odisha, despite concerted efforts to eradicate the practice. The state has recorded a staggering 8,159 instances of child marriages over the last six years, according to government data.

In a written reply in Assembly, Odisha Deputy CM Pravati Parida informed that Nabarangpur district emerges as the area with the highest number of cases, recording a total of 1,347 child marriages. 

Ganjam district follows with 966 cases, while Koraput district accounts for 636 instances of child marriages. The substantial numbers highlight the scale of the issue facing these regions.

Alongside combating child marriage, the state also grapples with the challenge of child labour. Over the same period, authorities have rescued 328 children working as labourers. Both issues underscore the persistent socio-economic hurdles in the region.