Guwahati, 20th July: Assam has achieved remarkable progress in combating child marriage and teenage pregnancies, following a rigorous campaign launched two years ago. Recent data reveals a significant reduction in these issues, highlighting the success of the state’s comprehensive approach.
The Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) reports a 30% decrease in child marriage rates since the campaign began in 2022. This reduction is attributed to stricter law enforcement, enhanced community awareness, and increased focus on girls’ education and empowerment.
A notable achievement is the dramatic drop in teenage pregnancies. The number of cases plummeted from 9,330 in 2022 to 3,401 in 2024, marking a 63.5% decrease. Health officials attribute this progress to better access to reproductive health education and services, which have been central to the state’s strategy.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the collaborative efforts of government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders. “The substantial reduction in child marriages and teenage pregnancies is a testament to our collective dedication. While there is still work to be done, these results show that we are on the right path,” he said.
The campaign has also reinforced legal measures to protect children. The number of child marriage prohibition officers has increased, and support systems for affected girls have been strengthened. This legal framework has been pivotal in maintaining the campaign’s momentum.
According to a report titled “Towards Justice: Ending Child Marriage” by India Child Protection (ICP), Assam’s legal strategy has proven effective. The report indicates an 81% reduction in child marriages across 20 districts between the 2021-22 and 2023-24 fiscal years. The Assam model led to a 30% reduction in child marriages in some villages and a decline in cases in 40% of villages studied.
Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, praised the Assam model, emphasizing that “prosecution is the key to ending this crime against children.” He noted that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act are crucial in this fight.
The report also highlighted a High Court of Rajasthan judgment that held panchayats accountable for child marriages, resulting in a significant decline in cases reported on Akshaya Tritiya. Nationally, 161 civil society organizations successfully prevented 14,137 child marriages in 2023-2024 through legal interventions and 59,364 with the help of panchayats.
Bhuwan Ribhu, founder of Child Marriage Free India (CMFI), emphasized the importance of the legal approach in creating public awareness and deterring child marriage. He urged that the Assam model be adopted nationwide to work towards a child marriage-free India.
The ICP, part of CMFI, collaborates with about 200 NGOs and has successfully prevented a significant number of child marriages through legal and community-based efforts. The ongoing success in Assam offers a promising model for other states grappling with similar issues.
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