Sharvan Kumar, a Congress candidate in Jhunjhunu district, promised to arrange marriages for unmarried men during the first phase of the Panchayat polls on 24 September 2024. The pledge followed a 62.9% turnout in 16 zila parishads and 104 panchayat samitis.
The state’s child sex ratio at birth fell to 806 in 2016, with Sikar at 649, Nagaur 664, Bikaner 693, and Jhunjhunu 723, according to the Civil Registration System. These figures illustrate a deep gender imbalance that limits marriage prospects for young men.
Agricultural volatility and the new Agniveer recruitment scheme have eroded rural livelihoods, says sociologist Rajeev Gupta. He warns that youth uncertainty fuels marriage delays as families struggle to secure stable incomes.
A 23‑year‑old from Jhajhar village told reporters he had written to Kumar asking for help with his marriage. He said the promise gave him a glimmer of hope after months of rejection.
State Health Minister Anil Sharma said the task force will launch a data audit before the second phase of the polls on 1 October 2024, aiming to curb the skewed sex ratio and support marriage markets.