More girls in MP choosing to marry after 21: Survey

In a notable shift in societal attitudes towards marriage, 62.5 per cent of girls in Madhya Pradesh are now preferring to marry after the age of 21, compared to 56 per cent in 2020, as per a government survey.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

This change is likely due to girls prioritising education and career over marriage, and also government schemes providing support to them, experts feel.

According to the recently released Sample Registration System (SRS)-2023, 62.5 per cent of girls in MP preferred to marry after the age of 21.

These figures indicate a significant difference in attitudes towards marriage between girls in rural and urban areas. While 57.5 per cent of girls in rural areas preferred to marry after the age of 21, in urban areas the rate was 80.2 per cent.

The national average for girls marrying after the age of 21 is 72.2 per cent, and Madhya Pradesh lags behind. But, considering the SRS-2020 data, the situation in the state has improved.

While the data reflects a significant shift in the age of marriage in urban areas, there is still considerable room for improvement in rural areas.