Himanta Hails UN Declaration of Nov 27 as International Day to End Child Marriage

way2barak, Sep 6: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday asserted that even the UN now agrees that child or forced marriage has no place in society and called for stringent action against the practice. Reacting to the United Nations’ declaration of November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, Sarma said the move reinforces Assam’s position that child and forced marriage must be firmly dealt with.

Highlighting the state government’s efforts, the Assam Chief Minister said more than 12,000 cases have been registered and over 11,000 arrests made in connection with child marriage cases. He further claimed that child marriages have declined by 81 per cent across 20 districts, accompanied by a significant reduction in teenage pregnancies and an increase in female enrolment in higher education.

Sarma said Assam had already announced plans for an “unapologetic campaign” against child and forced marriage in November, with the government determined to bring perpetrators to justice. He said the state’s experience demonstrates that the fight against child marriage is not merely a regional issue but part of a wider global challenge.