Recognising the challenges posed by gender discrimination and its impact on girls' education, Assam is intensifying efforts to eradicate the pernicious practice of child marriage.
This was the core message delivered by Shyamal Prasad Saikia, chairperson of the Assam State Committee for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR), at a state-level consultation held on Tuesday.
"Illiteracy, poverty, and deep-rooted gender bias create fertile ground for the persistence of child marriage," Saikia acknowledged, underlining the critical role of monitoring agencies like ASCPCR in ensuring the effective implementation of laws and schemes to combat this social evil.
The Assam government, lauded for its proactive approach, is leaving no stone unturned in its fight against child marriage.
The consultation, organized by ASCPCR in collaboration with Child Marriage Free India and Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), served as a platform to develop a clear roadmap towards making Assam child marriage-free by 2030.
Dhananjay Tingal, executive director of BBA, commended Assam's leadership, calling it a national role model. He lauded the allocation of Rs 200 crore and measures for victim rehabilitation while stressing the need for efficient utilization of funds and continued legal action against perpetrators.
Rishi Kant, executive director of Kosi Lok Manch, hailed the government's commitment to reaching remote areas and its initiatives like admission incentives for girls in higher education as crucial steps towards achieving the goal.
Positive indicators emerged from the latest National Family Health Survey, reflecting a decline in child marriage prevalence since early 2023.
Recognizing the need for further progress, Preeti Lekha Deka, deputy secretary of the state women and child development department, called for collective efforts in areas like reintegration and skill development for girl victims.
Assam's two-pronged drive against child marriage launched last year, with over 4,000 arrests and hundreds of registered cases, stands as a testament to its resolve.
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