In many cases, an increase in the number of child marriages was observed once the downturn hit.

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But it seems unlikely the problem of child marriages in Rajasthan will be stopped in the immediate future.

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Child marriages are punishable under law in India, but the tradition still continues and thousands of minors are married off every year, particularly in the rural areas where literacy is low.

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Bishop Joseph Gomes of Nadia district - the man leading the initiative to end child marriages - said that those who have been punished may be accepted back to the fold if they publicly repent.

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Other factors that contribute to attrition in secondary school, particularly among girls, are school fees, child marriages, a shortage of teachers, inadequate toilet facilities -- a basic need, as girls reach menstrual age -- and the lack of support from parents and the community, Cawasji said.

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Most eunuchs earn a living by collecting cash gifts from people during marriages and child births.

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The reason for these late families is second marriages and, increasingly, late marriage and child-bearing.

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Others still are child brides, forced out of school and into loveless marriages, often undergoing early pregnancies that put their lives at risk.

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Literacy rates are reportedly even lower for female youths (42%) and adults (26%) due to the combined effects of war, poverty and socio-cultural practices (e.g. early marriages and the general practice of educating the boy rather than the girl-child).

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