The government of Assam, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has formed a committee to finalise a rehabilitation strategy for child marriage victims in response to recent state police action, as the fight against child marriage is in full swing in the state. As a result of the operation that started on Friday, at least 2,666 people have been arrested, and more than 4,000 cases have been reported throughout the state thus far.
The Assam Cabinet also praised the state police for their efforts to prevent child marriage and gave them extra instructions to keep up the pressure.
The Assam CM tweeted, “The Cabinet also established a Cabinet Sub-Committee to finalise a Rehabilitation Policy for victims of child marriage within 15 days.”
Today Assam Cabinet complimented @assampolice for its campaign against child marriage, and further directed it to continue with the clampdown. The Cabinet also constituted a Cabinet Sub-Committee to finalise a Rehabilitation Policy within 15 days for victims of child marriage.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (Modi Ka Parivar) (@himantabiswa) February 9, 2023
Sarma stated in a tweet that the fight against social evil will go on. He said, “We ask the Assamese people’s help in our fight against this social crime.”
The campaign against child marriage has drawn criticism from the opposition parties for how it was handled. However, Himanta Biswa defended the measure by claiming that over 6.2 lakh pregnant women in the state last year, or roughly 17%, were teenagers.
Our crackdown against child marriage continues with 2,666 arrests made so far. The drive against this social evil will continue. We seek the support of the people of Assam in our fight against this social crime.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (Modi Ka Parivar) (@himantabiswa) February 9, 2023
Additionally, the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) Act will now be applied to men who have married girls under the age of 14. This decision was just approved by the state cabinet.
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2006 will be used to prosecute anyone who weds girls between the ages of 14 and 18. cabinet had made a decision. The unions will be deemed unlawful, and violators will be taken into custody.
