Significant Decline in Teenage Pregnancies in Assam
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently announced a remarkable achievement in the state’s efforts to combat child marriage and teenage pregnancies. According to CM Sarma, the number of teenage pregnancies in Assam has plummeted by over 60%, from 9,330 in April 2022 to 3,401 in June 2024.
Campaign Against Child Marriage
The state government’s rigorous campaign against child marriage has been a driving force behind this positive change. CM Sarma emphasized that the mission has not only fostered societal change but also ensured healthier lives for young girls. “Our rigorous mission against #ChildMarriage is not only bringing a societal change but also enabling a healthy life for our girls,” he posted on X.
Repeal of Outdated Marriage Act
In a related development, the Assam government decided to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act of 1935. This move aims to prevent child marriages and establish uniformity in marriage and divorce registrations across the state. CM Sarma announced on X, “We have taken a significant step to ensure justice for our daughters and sisters by putting additional safeguards against child marriage.”
New Legislation for Marriage Registration
The Chief Minister elaborated on the objective behind the repeal, stating that the Assam Repealing Bill, 2024, will be presented in the next monsoon session of the Assam Legislative Assembly. The State Cabinet has also directed the creation of new legislation for the registration of Muslim marriages in Assam, to be reviewed in the next Assembly session.
Addressing Demographic Changes
Earlier this week, CM Sarma reiterated his concerns about the issue of “changing demography,” describing it as a matter of “life and death” for him. He cited data indicating that the Muslim population in Assam was 12% in 1951 and has now reached 40%. The Chief Minister also alleged that ‘illegal immigrants’ are marrying tribal girls without following due process, and he stated that the BJP would make a law to prevent the exploitation of tribal daughters marrying illegal immigrants.
Looking Forward
The Assam government’s decisive actions and policies demonstrate a strong commitment to combatting child marriage and improving the welfare of young girls in the state. The significant drop in teenage pregnancies is a testament to the effectiveness of these efforts, setting a positive example for other regions to follow.
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