Assam has recorded a sharp decline in the number of child marriages, significantly surpassing the national average, according to a report released by a non-governmental organisation that surveyed five states. Legal deterrence, including police complaints and arrests, was identified as one of the most effective tools in achieving this success, according to the report covering the period from April 2022 to March 2025.
Citing the survey's findings, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted on Sunday that the government's tough stance against the practice is yielding positive results. "Assam's relentless fight against child marriage is bearing fruit as it marked the steepest drop in child marriage in India," he posted on X, adding, "On #Navratri, as we celebrate the divine power of Maa Durga, we remain committed to protect & nurture our daughters' future."
The report, Tipping Point to Zero: Evidence Towards a Child Marriage Free India, which was released recently at a side event at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, found that Assam is leading the nation. The state recorded an 84 per cent drop in cases among girls and a 91 per cent reduction among boys in the last three years.
The study, prepared by the Centre for Legal Action and Behaviour Change for Children (C-LAB), an initiative of NGO Just Rights for Children (JRC), attributed Assam's progress to the state government's 'zero tolerance' approach, strict legal action, and coordinated efforts with central government and civil society organisations.
Public awareness of child marriage laws was found to be almost universal in the state (99 per cent), with television (92 pc) and NGOs (76 pc) being the top sources of legal information.
The report concluded with several key recommendations, which includes strict enforcement of child marriage laws, better reporting mechanisms, compulsory marriage registration, and designating a national day against child marriage, all aimed at eliminating the social menace by 2030.
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