India has intensified its crackdown on child marriages, particularly in Assam, where nearly 5,000 people have been arrested as part of a broad campaign aimed at ending the practice. In a recent police operation, 416 individuals were detained, including parents, registrars, and other facilitators of underage marriages. Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma vowed that the state would continue to take “bold steps” to eliminate child marriage, describing it as a “social evil” that needs urgent eradication.
A Longstanding Issue
Despite a significant decline in child marriages in recent decades, India still has one of the highest numbers of child brides globally, with over 220 million women married before the age of 18, according to United Nations estimates. In Assam, the practice remains prevalent, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged communities. Many families marry off their children, often girls, in the hope of improving their financial stability or securing their future. However, the consequences are dire, including early pregnancies, educational disruption, and the physical and emotional toll on young girls.
Legal Context and Enforcement
In India, the legal age for marriage is 18 for women and 21 for men. However, child marriages often occur under the radar, as enforcement of marriage laws can be inconsistent in rural areas. The recent push by Assam authorities follows a series of high-profile raids that began in February 2023, which targeted underage marriages. Those arrested include parents who arranged the marriages, as well as officials who facilitated the ceremonies or registered the marriages. The latest sweep has brought the total number of arrests to over 4,800 people.
The legal landscape has evolved in recent years to further protect children from early marriages. A landmark ruling by India’s Supreme Court in 2017 declared that sex with a child bride constitutes rape, a decision that was hailed by child rights activists as a major step forward. This ruling has significantly impacted the legal treatment of child marriage in India, underscoring the seriousness of the crime and encouraging stricter enforcement of existing laws.
Government Commitment to Eradication
Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made the abolition of child marriage a cornerstone of his political platform. Sarma has set an ambitious target of completely ending child marriage in Assam by 2026, emphasizing the need for coordinated action at every level of society, from law enforcement to community education. As part of the crackdown, Sarma’s administration has also launched awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public on the risks of early marriage, including the negative health outcomes for girls and the long-term consequences on their education and economic prospects.
The Assam government’s campaign has drawn attention not only to the state’s internal efforts but also to the broader issue of child marriage in India. Although the practice is officially banned, it continues to thrive in many parts of the country, especially in rural and marginalized communities, where traditional customs and poverty often outweigh legal provisions.
The Road Ahead
While the recent arrests represent a significant step in tackling child marriage in Assam, experts caution that legal enforcement alone cannot eliminate the practice. Comprehensive solutions must address the root causes, such as poverty, gender inequality, and lack of education, that lead families to marry off their children at young ages. The state government’s commitment to ending child marriage in the coming years will likely require continued engagement with communities, schools, and local leaders to bring about cultural and societal change.
As the campaign continues, the efforts in Assam may serve as a model for other regions in India, where child marriage remains a widespread issue despite significant legal and societal advancements.
