Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that Assam has seen an 84% decrease in child weddings involving girls under the age of 18. He attributed the dramatic decline to persistent enforcement and targeted government engagement. According to the Chief Minister, who shared the X update, the administration’s tough stance has started to have quantifiable outcomes. “We made the decision to take action, and the results are showing. We are safeguarding moms, preserving childhood, and guaranteeing accountability via consistent enforcement and unambiguous aim,” he added.
Sarma claims that the state has also seen a 91% decrease in child marriages between boys under the age of 21. Additionally, there has been a 75% decrease in adolescent pregnancies. He said that in situations involving child marriage, authorities have attained a 95% chargesheet rate. According to the Chief Minister, the advancements demonstrate the government’s dedication to protecting children’s rights and guaranteeing each kid in Assam has opportunities, safety, and dignity. International organizations like UNICEF have often emphasized the negative effects of child marriage.
Girls who get married before turning 18 are much less likely to finish their school and are more likely to experience domestic abuse. Additionally linked to worse economic and health consequences, early marriage frequently feeds generational cycles of disadvantage. While early marriage can cut off females from social networks and restrict their involvement in communal life, teenage childbirth carries higher health risks for both the mother and the child. On a larger scale, the practice has financial consequences that jeopardize human development and long-term progress.
