An interesting example of social engineering through law is seen in Himachal Pradesh. Raising age to 21 from 18 for women to marry.

The State Assembly has passed Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024 to this effect.

While education, career and gender equality are given as the reasons behind it, population control and economic upliftment would be the silver linings.

Fertility window is narrowed down by 3 years. Poor in India tend to marry their girls at 18 (if not before), followed by childbirth. Reportedly, the middle to rich economic classes in India are anyway having fewer or no children now (that is a seperate socio-economic concern).

The Bill would also therefore contribute to reduction of poverty in the medium run.

The Bill would require President’s assent, most likely, with the Governor sending for it. India as a country, and most of our states need similar actions, keeping our population replacement rate closer to 2.1 children per woman.
Views are personal.