As many as 431 persons were arrested from different parts of the State on the intervening night of December 21 and 22 in the third phase of the crackdown on child marriage.
Current Status of Child Marriage in Assam:
- Assam has seen a significant reduction in child marriage cases, with an 81% drop between 2021 -24.
- This decrease is attributed to the state government’s rigorous legal interventions and community-based initiatives.
- According to reports, some districts like Jorhat and Nagaon have even achieved a 100% eradication of child marriage, showcasing the success of these efforts across various regions
- Assam Government aims to Eradicate Child Marriage by 2026
Factors Behind Child Marriage in Assam
- Poverty: Early marriage is often seen as a way to reduce financial burdens for poor families.
- Lack of Education: Limited access to education means girls are more likely to marry young, as they and their families may not fully understand the consequences.
- Cultural Norms: Traditional practices in some communities favor early marriage, especially in rural areas where such norms are entrenched.
- Gender Inequality: Girls are sometimes viewed as economic liabilities, prompting families to marry them off early.
- Weak Law Enforcement: In remote areas, child marriage laws may not be consistently enforced, and awareness of legal consequences is often low.
Impacts of Child Marriage:
Assam Government Initiatives to Combat Child Marriage:
- Legal Crackdowns: The government has launched extensive campaigns, resulting in thousands of arrests and case registrations, to enforce child marriage laws.
- Nijut Moina Scheme: Financial aid is provided to encourage girls to stay in school from Class 11 through post-graduation, reducing the likelihood of early marriage.
- Bal Panchayats: Community-level councils are set up to raise awareness about the harms of child marriage, especially in rural areas.
- Community Collaboration: Working with NGOs and national campaigns, the government engages communities in awareness and prevention efforts to address root causes of child marriage.
