Assam Government Repeals 1935 Marriage Act to Combat Child Marriage
Guwahati, July 19, 2024: In a decisive action to combat child marriage, the Assam Cabinet approved The Assam Repealing Bill, 2024, on Thursday. This legislation seeks to repeal both the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935, and the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Rules, 1935.
The decision follows significant progress reported by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the state’s efforts to reduce child marriages. An independent survey by India Child Protection (ICP) has revealed an 81% decrease in such cases. The number of child marriages in the surveyed villages dropped dramatically from 3,225 in 2021 to 600 in 2024. Notably, child marriage has been completely eradicated in 30% of the surveyed villages.
The survey also highlights overwhelming support for the crackdown, with 98% of villages backing the initiative. Among the 20 districts surveyed, Nagaon and Jorhat have achieved a 100% reduction in child marriage cases, while seven other districts have recorded reductions exceeding 80%. The reduction is particularly pronounced in minority-concentrated districts.
The Assam government’s rigorous enforcement against child marriages has led to numerous arrests and underscores its commitment to eradicating the practice.
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We have taken a significant step to ensure justice for our daughters and sisters by putting additional safeguards against child marriage.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 18, 2024
In the meeting of the #AssamCabinet today we have decided to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act and Rules 1935… pic.twitter.com/5rq0LjAmet