Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: Despite Odisha recording a lower overall child marriage rate than the national average, district-level data presented in the Assembly has revealed stark disparities. Nabarangpur district leads with a worrying 39.4% prevalence, underscoring the persistence of the practice in certain regions despite statewide progress, officials said on Saturday.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, responding to a question raised by legislator Amar Nayak, informed the House that 12 districts in Odisha have child marriage rates above the state average of 20.5%.

Following Nabarangpur, Nayagarh (35.7%), Koraput (35.5%), Rayagada (33.2%), and Malkangiri (32.4%) reported some of the highest incidences. Other districts with significant prevalence include Mayurbhanj (31.3%), Keonjhar (29%), Gajapati (28.1%), Balasore (26.4%), Boudh (25.3%), and Angul (25%).

While the national average stands at 23.3%, Odisha’s rate is comparatively lower at 20.5%. However, the concentration of high rates in certain districts highlights the need for targeted interventions.

The government identified five key drivers of child marriage: entrenched social customs and traditional beliefs, gender-based inequality, poverty, social insecurity, and lack of education among adolescent girls. Officials emphasized that while progress has been made, district-level disparities demand urgent policy attention and community engagement.

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Malnutrition In Odisha- A Cause of Concern

Answering another question from legislator Romaanch Biswal, Deputy CM Parida revealed that Odisha continues to grapple with child malnutrition.

As of 2026, the state has 7,665 severely malnourished children.Mayurbhanj district reported the highest number at 746, followed by Keonjhar with 634.

The figures underline the dual challenge of tackling both child marriage and malnutrition, issues that remain deeply intertwined with poverty, social insecurity, and lack of access to education and healthcare.