Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a renewed effort in the fight against child marriage, planning biannual crackdowns starting from November-December this year.
This initiative follows a recent report revealing an impressive 81 per cent reduction in child marriages across the State’s 20 districts. The decline is attributed to rigorous legal actions and extensive awareness campaigns spearheaded under CM Himanta Sarma’s leadership, aiming to empower women and eradicate this social issue.
The initiative was unveiled by the CM in a video message, where he reaffirmed the government’s firm stance against child marriage. Initially met with skepticism, the crackdown now enjoys widespread support, even in minority areas, as highlighted by Sarma. He praised the India Child Protection (ICP) report as a testament to their sustained efforts in empowering women (Nari Shakti), citing over 3,000 arrests and a significant decline in child marriages since 2021.
The report, titled – Towards Justice: Ending Child Marriage – was released on the World Day for International Justice in New Delhi, highlighting Assam’s approach as a model for the nation. It asserted on the effectiveness of legal interventions such as arrests and FIR filings in curbing child marriages.
Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, endorsed Assam’s approach, highlighting that legal prosecution is pivotal in combating this crime against children.
According to data from the National Crime Record Bureau and a survey covering 1,132 villages across 20 districts of Assam, significant progress has been noted. Thirty percent of these areas reported “complete eradication” of child marriage, while 40% witnessed a “significant decline” in the once-prevalent practice. These villages have a combined population of 21 lakh, with eight lakh children.
“In 12 out of the 20 districts, over 90 per cent of respondents believe that taking legal action such as arresting individuals and filing FIRs in cases related to child marriages can effectively address the occurrence of such cases,” the report highlighted.
Speaking to X, CM Himanta praised the report by India CP Org, highlighting its role in showcasing Assam’s commitment to empowering women. He reiterated that Assam’s zero-tolerance approach and extensive legal measures have led to an 81 per cent decline in child marriages since 2021.
The State Government’s intensified efforts commenced in February 2022, encompassing stringent legal measures alongside extensive awareness campaigns. As Assam gears up for the upcoming biannual drives against child marriage, Sarma expressed optimism that proactive measures would further reduce this societal menace, ensuring a safer and more empowered future for children across the State.
