Sun Sep 14 21:58:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewrite as a news article, keeping in mind “The View From India” perspective:

**Summary:**

A recent Sample Registration System (SRS) report reveals that West Bengal continues to have the highest percentage of girls marrying before the age of 18 in India (6.3%). While this is a slight decrease from previous reports, it remains a significant concern. Despite the West Bengal government’s significant investments in schemes like Kanyashree (cash transfer to improve the status of girls and reduce child marriage), and an overall increase in gender-specific budget allocations, the state struggles to significantly reduce child marriage rates. Other states like Jharkhand also have high rates. A Lancet study confirms West Bengal, along with Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, account for the majority of child marriages in the country, highlighting the persistent challenge in the region despite national progress.

**News Article:**

**The Hindu: September 15, 2025**

**West Bengal Still Grapples with High Child Marriage Rates Despite Government Efforts**

**Kolkata:** New data paints a concerning picture of child marriage in West Bengal, despite the state government’s extensive efforts to combat the practice. A recently released Sample Registration System (SRS) report shows that 6.3% of females in West Bengal are married before the age of 18, the highest rate in India.

The report, compiled by the Office of Registrar General and Census Commissioner India, highlights a persistent challenge for the eastern state, even as national figures show improvement. While the national average stands at 2.1%, West Bengal significantly exceeds this. Following West Bengal, Jharkhand reports the next highest rate at 4.6%.

This data arrives despite the West Bengal government’s significant investment in schemes like the Kanyashree Prakalpa, a conditional cash transfer program aimed at improving the lives of girls and delaying marriage. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently announced that over 93 lakh girls benefit from the scheme, with the government allocating ₹593.51 crore in the current financial year. Additionally, the state’s budget includes a substantial ₹11.8 lakh crore for gender-specific schemes, a 38% increase from last year.

Experts and policymakers are baffled by the state’s inability to significantly reduce child marriage despite these efforts. The latest SRS data indicates a small decline compared to May 2025 data, where the rate stood at 6.5%.

This issue is not isolated to statistics. A 2024 study published in *The Lancet* identifies West Bengal as one of the key states contributing to the overall burden of child marriage in India, alongside Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

“While India has made progress overall, these regional disparities highlight the complex socio-economic factors that contribute to child marriage,” says social researcher Dr. Amita Sharma. “A multi-pronged approach, combining education, economic empowerment, and community awareness, is crucial to address this deep-rooted issue effectively.”

The findings call for a renewed focus on targeted interventions and a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of child marriage in West Bengal and other states facing similar challenges. The Indian government, along with state authorities, must work with communities to prioritize education, empower girls, and ensure the enforcement of laws against child marriage. The fight against child marriage in India continues, and requires sustained commitment and innovative strategies to protect its most vulnerable citizens.

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