Karnataka Records Notable Decline in Child Pregnancy Cases
Child pregnancy cases in Karnataka show a sharp downward trend according to recent government data. The state registered 14,641 cases among adolescents aged 14 to 18 between April 2023 and October 2025. This period covers 31 months of tracking through the reproductive and child health portal.
Significant Reduction in Recent Months
The numbers reveal a dramatic improvement. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, authorities recorded 8,666 cases. This dropped to 4,746 cases in 2024-25. The current fiscal year shows even more progress with only 1,229 cases reported between April and October 2025.
Officials note the decline accelerated from April 2025 onward. The current figures represent more than a fifty percent reduction compared to data from two and a half years ago.
Child Marriage Remains Stubborn Challenge
Despite the positive trend in pregnancy cases, child marriage continues to trouble Karnataka. The state averages about 700 child marriage cases each year over the last three years. From January to October 2025 alone, officials registered 564 such cases.
Authorities managed to prevent approximately 2,000 child marriages during this period. The state receives more than 2,600 complaints about child marriages annually on average.
Mysuru District Reflects Statewide Patterns
Mysuru district mirrors the broader state situation. As of November 2025, the district reported 45 child pregnancy cases and 21 child marriage cases. Local authorities prevented 230 child marriages in 2025 and initiated legal action against parents and relatives involved.
Most child marriage cases involve children above 17 years old. Some cases involve children between 16 and 17 years of age.
Helpline and Awareness Programs Drive Progress
Child development project officers credit increased awareness for the improvements. NT Yogesh, CDPO for Mysuru, highlighted community programs and publicity for child helpline number 1098. These efforts help prevent both child pregnancy and child marriages.
Children now voluntarily call the helpline to report planned child marriages. Mysuru district receives over 1,000 calls annually on various helpline numbers. Callers report child marriages and pregnancies, seek educational support, request family assistance, and ask for emotional counseling.
Legal Consequences and Education Efforts
Authorities continue emphasizing the legal penalties for underage marriage. Those conducting child marriages face up to two years in jail and fines reaching one lakh rupees. Awareness campaigns explain these consequences to communities.
RLHP NGO director Saraswathi advocates for comprehensive sex education in schools. She notes students face strong influences from social media and online content. Easy internet access increases curiosity but may lead to misinformation without proper guidance.
Proper sex education helps students understand risks associated with early sexual activity. It empowers them to make informed decisions. Education also protects children from exploitation and pressure while supporting prevention of child marriages through awareness.
The need for such education gained urgency after a recent incident in Yadgir. A Class IX student at a residential school gave birth in a school toilet, highlighting the ongoing challenges.
