Guwahati, Feb 21: Assam has recorded a dramatic 84 per cent decline in child marriages involving girls below the age of 18, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday, February 21, crediting the significant reduction to strict enforcement measures and sustained government action.
In a message shared on X, Sarma said the state government’s decisive approach was producing tangible outcomes. “We chose to act and we are seeing the difference. Through sustained enforcement and clear intent, we are protecting childhood, supporting mothers and ensuring accountability,” he wrote, underscoring what he described as the administration’s firm resolve to curb the practice.
The Chief Minister further revealed that cases of child marriage involving boys under 21 have fallen by 91 per cent. Alongside this, teenage pregnancies have declined by 75 per cent across the state. He added that authorities have maintained a 95 per cent chargesheet rate in child marriage-related cases, reflecting what he termed a strong legal response to violations.
Sarma said the improvement signals the government’s broader commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring that young people in Assam are afforded safety, dignity and opportunities for a better future.
International organisations such as UNICEF have long warned of the far-reaching consequences of child marriage. Girls who marry before the age of 18 face an increased risk of domestic violence and are far less likely to complete their education. Early marriage is also linked to poorer health outcomes and limited economic prospects, often reinforcing cycles of disadvantage.
Teenage motherhood carries heightened medical risks for both mother and child, while early marriage can isolate young girls from their social networks and restrict their participation in community life. On a wider scale, experts note that the persistence of child marriage undermines long-term economic growth and human development, making sustained prevention efforts critical.
