Assam's Mission Against Child Marriage: Significant Progress and Legislative Changes

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the state's success in reducing teenage pregnancies and its new legislative efforts to prevent child marriage. The Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act of 1935 will be repealed to ensure uniformity in marriage and divorce registration.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the state government's campaign to curb child marriages has led to significant societal changes while ensuring better health outcomes for girls. The number of teenage pregnancy cases in the state dropped dramatically from 9,330 in April 2022 to 3,401 in June 2024.

"Our rigorous mission against child marriage is not only bringing societal change but also enabling a healthier life for our girls. Teenage pregnancy in April 2022 stood at 9,330, and by June 2024, it was reduced to 3,401. Our mission will continue unabated," Sarma stated in a social media post. On Thursday, the Assam government decided to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act of 1935 to further prevent child marriages and ensure equity in marriage and divorce registration.

Using the social media platform X, Sarma wrote, "We have taken a significant step to ensure justice for our daughters and sisters by implementing additional safeguards against child marriage. The Assam Cabinet decided to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act and Rules of 1935 via the Assam Repealing Bill 2024." He added that the State Cabinet approved the Assam Repealing Bill 2024 to ensure uniformity in marriage and divorce registration. This bill will be considered in the next monsoon session of the Assam Legislative Assembly. The State Cabinet also directed that suitable legislation for the registration of Muslim marriages in Assam be brought forward for consideration in the next session.

Earlier, Chief Minister Sarma expressed concerns about the state's changing demography, calling it a "life and death" issue. He pointed out that the Muslim population has grown from 12 percent in 1951 to 40 percent. Sarma alleged that illegal immigrants are marrying tribal girls without following legal procedures, a situation he said requires urgent attention.

(With inputs from agencies.)