Assam Leads India's Battle Against Child Marriage: A Sharp Decline

Assam has achieved a remarkable reduction in child marriage rates, significantly surpassing the national average. Legal action and awareness campaigns have been pivotal in this progress. The findings were part of a report released by NGO Just Rights for Children, highlighting Assam's comprehensive approach to combat child marriage.

Assam has emerged as a frontrunner in the national effort to eradicate child marriage, reporting the steepest decline compared to other states, according to a recent survey. The intensive legal action and robust awareness campaigns led by the state government are credited for this positive outcome.

The report, titled 'Tipping Point to Zero: Evidence Towards a Child Marriage Free India', was unveiled during a side event at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. It noted an 84% decline in child marriages among girls and a 91% drop among boys in Assam over three years.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the government's zero-tolerance policy and coordinated efforts involving legal deterrence. The findings further highlighted a strong public awareness facilitated through NGOs and media as pivotal in combating this social issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)