Meghalaya top in child marriage and teenage pregnancy rates

A survey has revealed that the high rates of child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Meghalaya and the Northeast have been a major cause of child malnutrition.

The incidence of child marriage and teenage pregnancy in the Northeast is higher than the national average, a study by the Observer Research Foundation said. It had analysed the data of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS).

The data on child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Meghalaya are alarming. The state’s teenage pregnancy rate of 7.9% is higher than the national average of 6.8%.

The matrilineal state also has a higher rate of child marriage at 16.3%. It is much higher than that of Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram.