Has Assam Witnessed a Significant Decline in Child Marriage Cases Under BJP Government?
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Synopsis
Assam has seen a transformative reduction in child marriage cases, according to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. With over 8,600 arrests and the establishment of task forces, the state's proactive measures have led to a 17% decrease in underage marriages, indicating a shift from societal acceptance to legal action.
Key Takeaways
- Assam has seen a notable decline in child marriage cases.
- Over 8,600 arrests have been made as part of the crackdown.
- District-level task forces have been established for better enforcement.
- Community involvement is crucial in reporting suspected cases.
- Child marriage is now treated as a criminal issue rather than a social one.
Guwahati, Nov 26 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted a remarkable transformation in the state's fight against child marriage, attributing it to a blend of stringent enforcement and systemic reforms. This approach has resulted in a notable decrease in underage marriages and enhanced legal accountability.
According to NFHS-4 (2015-16) data, 31.8 percent of women aged 20–24 in Assam were married before reaching 18, a figure that surpassed the national average.
Worryingly, district-level reports indicated alarming prevalence rates in areas like Dhubri, South Salmara, Barpeta, and Nagaon, with figures ranging from 40 to 55 percent.
However, the state now claims a decisive shift. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, over 8,600 arrests were executed in synchronized efforts under both the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA).
As per the Chief Minister, the number of registered cases in 2022 rose to 224, a significant increase from just 149 in 2021, indicating an escalation in enforcement actions.
CM Sarma stated, "In addition to arrests, Assam has established district-level task forces led by superintendents of police to monitor and interrupt potential child marriages. Community-level personnel, including ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, and schoolteachers, are now mandated to report suspected cases promptly."
He also mentioned that several districts have set up digital databases and tracking systems for child protection.
The Chief Minister asserted that these initiatives have yielded positive outcomes: in hotspots, the prevalence of child marriage decreased by 8 to 17 percent within a year, and more than 3,000 planned child marriages were thwarted in 2023-24 alone.
Notably, the recent actions taken by the Assam government, ranging from sustained crackdowns to creating institutional safeguards, demonstrate a significantly more aggressive approach toward child marriage compared to previous years, when it was largely viewed as a social issue rather than a criminal offense.
Point of View
This substantial decline in child marriage cases in Assam underlines the importance of rigorous enforcement and systemic reforms. It reflects a growing recognition of child marriage as a serious criminal issue rather than merely a social concern, which could potentially inspire similar initiatives across the country.
NationPress
26/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recent statistics on child marriage in Assam?
Recent statistics reveal that in 2022, 224 cases of child marriage were registered in Assam, a significant increase from 149 cases in 2021.
What measures has the Assam government taken against child marriage?
The Assam government has implemented strict enforcement strategies, including over 8,600 arrests, the formation of district-level task forces, and community reporting systems.
How has the prevalence of child marriage changed in Assam's districts?
In hotspot districts, the incidence of child marriage has reportedly decreased by 8 to 17 percent within the last year.
What is the significance of the NFHS-4 data?
The NFHS-4 data indicates that 31.8 percent of women aged 20-24 in Assam were married before 18, exceeding the national average.
What role do community workers play in combating child marriage?
Community workers, including ASHAs and schoolteachers, are now required to report suspected child marriage cases to authorities in real time.
