Guwahati: Assam will launch a 15-day nationwide campaign to end child marriage in the wake of numerous instances of the social evil. This was announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday.
He said, “Whoever marries a girl below 14-year-old will be held under Protection of Child from Sexual Offences (POSCO). The law will be more stringent on gram panchayats.”
He then gave the state police the order to carry out a 15-day operation against those responsible for the crime and make arrests within that time frame.
CM Sarma further said that action will be taken against the patron if the marriage is held at the prohibited age.
Priests will also be subject to punishment if they wed inside the temple.
Action must also be taken against the judge, the parents and every participant involved in the child marriage.
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) indicated that 11.7% of females became mothers at a young age, prompting the declaration of a large campaign against the social ill.
The state has seen an increase in underage marriages during the last few months.
The following places where girls became mothers at a minor age:
- Darrang: 16%
- Kamrup: 15%
- Hojai: 11.6%
- Dhubri: 22%
- South Salmari: 22%
Meanwhile, the following places witness child marriage:
- Dhubri: 50%
- Darrang: 42%