Child Marriage Assam PDF

Child marriage in Assam is a serious issue facing this beautiful North Eastern state of India. According to the Annual Health Survey Data from 2012-13, it has been revealed that 35% of currently married women between 20 and 24 years of age were married before the age of 18. Additionally, 36.7% of married men between 25 and 29 years of age were married before reaching 21 years in Assam.

This practice has significant sociological and psychological effects on both boys and girls. However, the impact on girls is notably larger and more intense. When a girl marries and starts living with a man, she often takes on the caregiver role. Societal assumptions may imply she has become an adult woman, even if she is under 18 years old. This can lead to heavy domestic responsibilities, pressure to bear children, limited decision-making power, and a reduction in life choices.

Efforts to Combat Child Marriage in Assam

Recently, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a strong initiative to tackle child marriage. On a Thursday, he revealed plans for arrests in over 4,000 cases of child marriage that were registered in just nine days. On January 23, he stated that the Assam government would launch a comprehensive campaign against child marriage. This includes legal measures such as booking men who marry girls below 14 years under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, while those marrying girls aged 14-18 will be charged under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.

As a result of this campaign, the Assam Police has registered 4,004 cases related to child marriage throughout the state, with action set to commence soon, as confirmed by the Chief Minister.

Understanding the Need for Change

The government’s drive aims to address alarming maternal and infant mortality rates in the state, which are strongly linked to early motherhood. Assam holds the highest maternal mortality rate in India, with 195 deaths per one lakh live births reported in 2018-2020, according to data from the Registrar General of India released in 2022. Furthermore, the National Family Health Survey-5 indicates that Assam ranks third highest in infant mortality, with 32 deaths per 1,000 live births.

You can download the Child Marriage Assam PDF using the link given below.