1. “Towards Justice: Ending Child Marriage” reports an 81% reduction in Assam child marriages from 2021-24.
2. The report was released on the World Day for International Justice.
3. Success is credited to Assam state government initiatives and rigorous prosecution efforts.
Guwahati, July 18: A recent report titled “Towards Justice: Ending Child Marriage” reveals an impressive 81 percent reduction in child marriage cases across 20 districts in Assam between 2021-22 and 2023-24.
Released on the World Day for International Justice, July 17, the report attributes this success to the Assam state government’s initiatives and rigorous prosecution efforts.
Announcing the findings on X, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote, “This exceptional report by @IndiaCPOrg is a shining testament to our sustained efforts in empowering Nari Shakti. With over 3,000 arrests, our zero-tolerance approach has led to an 81% decline in child marriages since 2021. We will not rest until we eliminate this social evil.”
This exceptional report by @IndiaCPOrg is shining testament to our sustained efforts in empowering Nari Shakti. With over 3,000 arrests and our zero tolerance approach has led to a 81% decline in child marriages since 2021. We will not rest, till we eliminate this social evil. https://t.co/htRHBNNs7J
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 17, 2024
The report highlights that Jorhat and Nagaon districts have achieved a complete 100 percent reduction in child marriage cases, while Goalpara reported an 8 percent decrease.
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Data gathered from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and surveys conducted in 1,132 villages across 20 districts, covering a population of 21 lakh with 8 lakh children, demonstrate significant progress in eradicating child marriages.
Additionally, the report indicates that 30 percent of the surveyed villages have completely eradicated child marriage, and 40 percent have seen substantial reductions.
Furthermore, 98 percent of the population in Assam believes that prosecution is essential in ending child marriage. The report recommends creating fast-track special courts to clear the backlog of child marriage cases.
It suggests doubling the punishment for parents, guardians, or panchayats that provide an undertaking for child marriages, treating it as equivalent to criminal conspiracy for rape.
The report also calls for specific provisions for the rehabilitation of victims and survivors of child marriage, treating them on par with survivors of child sexual abuse.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s state-wide campaign against child marriage, launched in January 2023, has led to 3,015 arrests, showcasing the government’s dedication to combating this crime.
Despite the significant progress, the report notes that 3,563 child marriage cases remain pending trial, which could take 19 years to resolve at the current rate.
Nonetheless, the strides made in Assam are a promising step toward eradicating child marriage in the state and potentially across the country.
