Syllabus: GS– III & V: Technology 

Why in the News?

Experts and policymakers are increasingly discussing the use of blockchain technology to prevent child marriage through secure birth registration, digital identity systems, and automated age verification.

Child marriage remains a major social challenge in several parts of India, including Assam. Despite legal action and awareness campaigns, fake birth certificates and weak record-keeping often allow underage marriages to continue. In this context, blockchain technology is emerging as a possible digital solution for improving transparency and preventing fraud in marriage registration systems.

What is Blockchain Technology?

Blockchain is a decentralised and tamper-proof digital ledger that securely stores information across multiple computers.

• Once data is entered into a blockchain:
  • It cannot be easily altered or deleted.
  • Every transaction becomes transparent and traceable.
  • Fraud and manipulation become difficult.
• Blockchain is already being explored globally in:

• Banking and finance.
• Supply chain management.
• Health records.
• Digital identity systems.

How Can Blockchain Prevent Child Marriage?

Secure Birth Registration

• A child’s birth details such as Date of birth, Place of birth, Parent details, Biometrics
  can be permanently recorded on blockchain systems.
• Since records become immutable, fake age certificates become difficult to create.

Digital Identity Verification

• Every child can receive a secure Decentralised Identifier, a unique digital identity linked to verified birth records.
• During marriage registration, the system can instantly verify whether the individual has attained the legal age of marriage.

Smart Contracts for Automatic Checks

A smart contract is a self-executing digital programme on a blockchain.

• Before approving marriage registration, the smart contract can automatically verify Legal age, Consent of individuals, Existing marital status.
• If the person is below legal age:

• Registration gets blocked automatically.
• Authorities and child protection agencies can receive alerts instantly.

Importance for Assam

• According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21):
  • About 31.8 percent of women aged 20-24 in Assam were married before 18 years of age.
  • The national average was 23.3 percent.
• The Assam government has already launched:
  • Strict anti-child marriage drives.
  • The Nijut Moina Scheme, which provides financial support to girls to continue education and delay marriage.
• Blockchain can strengthen these efforts by:
  • Ensuring transparent marriage registration.
  • Preventing forged documents.
  • Improving direct transfer of financial benefits.

Related Laws and Policies

The technology can support implementation of:

• Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
• Digital India Programme.
• Civil registration and digital governance reforms.

Challenges in Implementation

• Despite its potential, several challenges remain:
  • Poor internet connectivity in rural areas, Lack of digital literacy, Privacy and data protection concerns, High infrastructure costs.
• Therefore, technology alone cannot solve the problem unless supported by:
  • Social awareness, Education, Women empowerment, Community participation.

Important Terms Explained

• Blockchain: A secure and decentralised digital record system.
• Smart Contract: Automated digital agreement executed without manual intervention.
• Decentralised Identifier: Secure digital identity linked to verified records.
• Immutable Record: Information that cannot be changed once stored.
• Digital Governance: Use of technology for public administration and service delivery.
• Child Marriage: Marriage where either party is below the legal age prescribed by law.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaways

• Blockchain creates tamper-proof digital records.
• It can support age verification and marriage registration.
• Assam has high child marriage prevalence compared to national average.
• Technology can strengthen implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.

Mains Question

“Emerging technologies like blockchain can strengthen social governance and welfare delivery in India.” Discuss with reference to child marriage prevention.

One-Line Wrap

Blockchain technology has the potential to become a powerful digital tool for preventing child marriage by ensuring secure identity verification, transparent governance, and protection of vulnerable children.

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