75 minor brides became mothers in 6 months in MP:52 delivered 53 malnourished babies in Rajgarh; 10 infants died within 30 days of birth

Despite tall claims of curbing child marriage, the age-old custom continues to thrive in parts of Madhya Pradesh. Deeply rooted in social fears, disputes, and stigma, underage girls are still being married off—robbing them of their childhood and pushing future generations into the cycle of malnutrition and poor health. A 23-day investigation by Dainik Bhaskar has revealed shocking figures: between March and August 2025, as many as 75 underage brides were admitted for delivery at the Rajgarh District Hospital. 52 minors gave birth to malnourished babies Out of these, 52 minor mothers (70.66 percent) delivered 53 underweight and severely malnourished infants. Of these newborns, 10 died within a short period—including all seven babies weighing less than one kilogram, who survived only for a few days after birth. Among seven infants weighing below 1.5 kilograms, three (43 percent) also died. The surviving babies continue to suffer from developmental delays due to severe undernourishment. Officials responsible for preventing child marriage—including Panchayat secretaries, Anganwadi workers, Janpad Panchayat CEOs, SDMs, and officials of the Women and Child Development Department—have repeatedly claimed success in stopping such marriages, but the figures tell a different story. Heartbreaking cases from the ground 1. Rashmi, 20, became a mother for the fourth time Rashmi from Lasurli Maharaja village was married at 16 and gave birth to her fourth child on April 19. The baby, weighing 1.8 kg, was kept in the NICU for 14 days but later died after being discharged. Two of her previous pregnancies had ended in miscarriages, which are still counted as deliveries in health records. 2. Ragini, 18, gave birth to an 860-gram infant Married at 15, Ragini from Fatehpur delivered her second baby, weighing only 860 grams, on July 28. Despite being treated in the NICU and later at Bhopal’s Hamidia Hospital, the child remains in critical condition. 3. 400-gram baby died within hours of birth Lakshmi, 17, from the Pratapganj area, was married at 16. She delivered a 400-gram baby on August 15, who died within hours despite NICU care. 4. Married at 7, mother of three at 19 Sonal from Guradiya village was married at the age of seven. At 19, she gave birth to her third child weighing 2.47 kg. Her first two children were underweight and did not survive. 5. Child marriage, two pregnancies by age 20 Gangabai from Suwahedi village was married as a child—she doesn’t even remember her age at the time. She gave birth to a 700-gram baby boy on August 12, who died shortly after birth. 6. Bhuribai, 20, delivered a 920-gram baby, who died in treatment Married at 16, Bhuribai from Dehra delivered a 920-gram baby girl on June 6. Despite being in the NICU for 45 days, the infant died during treatment. 14 Newborns die every month on average According to the Child Death Report of the Health Department, an average of 14 newborns die within 28 days of birth every month at the Rajgarh District Hospital. Between April and September 2025, the hospital recorded 37 neonatal deaths. Awareness campaign across 50 villages Manish Dangi, coordinator of Ahimsa Welfare Society, said: As the wedding season begins, we are conducting awareness drives across villages to end child marriages and child engagements. In collaboration with the administration, our youth teams will visit more than 50 villages where such cases are frequently reported. Expert view: Malnutrition linked to early motherhood Pediatrician Dr. Suresh Jain (retired) from Gwalior explained that low birth weight and stunted growth are common among babies born to underage mothers. “Children weighing less than -3 SD on the standard growth scale are considered low birth weight. Early pregnancies often result in such cases,” he said. Administration’s claim: 47 child marriages prevented this year Women and Child Development Officer Shyambabu Khare said, We have formed Block Task Force Committees and a control room for immediate response. Teams are dispatched on receiving child marriage alerts. This year, 47 child marriages have been stopped, and FIRs have also been filed.