Child Marriage Cases in Assam Drop by 81%

Context

On World Day for International Justice, a report by the India Child Protection revealed that the Assam government’s efforts, such as legal actions, have successfully reduced the occurrence of child marriage. The report “Towards Justice: Ending Child Marriage” showed an 81% decrease in child marriage incidents in 20 districts of Assam from 2021-22 to 2023-24.

Overview of Child Marriage in Assam

Child marriage remains a significant social issue in India, particularly in states like Assam. However, recent interventions by the Assam government have led to a remarkable decline in child marriage cases. According to a report by the India Child Protection (ICP), there has been an astounding 81% reduction in child marriages across 20 districts of Assam between 2021-22 and 2023-24. This success is attributed to a combination of legal actions, community engagement, and a zero-tolerance policy towards child marriage.

The Assam Model: Key Interventions

• Legal Framework and Enforcement: The Assam government’s approach to combating child marriage has been multifaceted, focusing heavily on legal interventions. Since Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took office in 2021, the state has adopted a rigorous stance against child marriage, resulting in over 3,000 arrests related to such cases. The ICP report emphasizes the importance of legal action, stating that in 12 out of the 20 districts surveyed, over 90% of respondents believe that legal measures, including arrests and filing FIRs, are effective in addressing child marriage.
• Community Engagement: In addition to legal measures, the Assam government has also engaged with communities to raise awareness about the negative impacts of child marriage. This grassroots approach has been instrumental in changing perceptions and behaviors regarding child marriage. The report notes that child marriage has been completely eradicated in 30% of the surveyed villages and has significantly declined in another 40%.
• Data-Driven Approach: The ICP report is based on data collected from the National Crime Records Bureau and field surveys conducted in 1,132 villages, encompassing a total population of 21 lakh, including 8 lakh children. This comprehensive data collection has provided a clear picture of the prevalence of child marriage and the effectiveness of the interventions implemented.

Impact of the Assam Model

• Statistical Evidence of Success: The report highlights a significant decrease in child marriage cases, with the overall reduction of 81% serving as a testament to the efficacy of the Assam model. The legal actions taken have resulted in a substantial decline in the number of child marriages reported, showcasing the potential for similar strategies to be implemented in other states across India.
• Challenges Ahead: Despite the successes, challenges remain. The report indicates that out of 3,563 child marriage cases listed for trial in 2022, only 181 cases were successfully concluded, reflecting a concerning pendency rate of 92%. At the current pace, it could take India up to 19 years to clear the backlog of child marriage cases. This highlights the need for continued efforts to streamline judicial processes and ensure timely justice for affected children.

Voices from the Ground

• Government Officials: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed pride in the report’s findings, stating, “This exceptional report is a shining testament to our sustained efforts in empowering Nari Shakti. We will not rest till we eliminate this social evil.” His commitment underscores the government’s determination to eradicate child marriage entirely.
• Child Rights Advocates: Priyank Kanoongo, chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, emphasised the importance of prosecution in combating child marriages. He stated, “Prosecution is definitely the key to ending this crime against children, and the Assam model to end child marriages has shown the country the way forward.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the need for robust legal frameworks to protect children’s rights.

Conclusion

The significant reduction in child marriage cases in Assam serves as a powerful example of how targeted interventions can lead to meaningful change. The Assam model, characterized by its legal rigor, community engagement, and data-driven strategies, has not only made strides in reducing child marriage but has also set a precedent for other states to follow.

While the journey towards completely eradicating child marriage is ongoing, the progress made in Assam is a beacon of hope. With continued commitment from the government, community leaders, and child rights advocates, there is potential for further advancements in the fight against child marriage, ensuring a safer and more equitable future for children in Assam and beyond.