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In a bold move aimed at combating the pervasive issue of child marriage in Assam, the state’s Cabinet recently approved the decision to repeal the Child Marriage Restraint Act. The decision, announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, marks a significant step towards addressing the social menace of underage marriages in the region.
Sarma’s announcement came on February 23 following the Cabinet’s deliberations, wherein it was decided that the Act would be repealed to tackle the alarming prevalence of child marriage in Assam. The move reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and rights of young girls in the state.
However, the decision has sparked a contentious debate in the Assam Assembly, with opposition members expressing concerns over the potential implications of repealing the Act. As the Assembly convened to discuss the cabinet decision, tensions ran high, culminating in a walkout by opposition members.
“We will not rest in peace until we completely close the shop that you people have opened to ruin the daughters of the Muslim community before 2026 (assembly elections),” remarked a prominent opposition leader as the opposition staged their dramatic exit from the House.
The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) had moved an adjournment motion to deliberate on the cabinet decision, only to have their proposal rejected by Speaker Biswajit Daimary. The Congress, meanwhile, voiced its dissent, suggesting that amendments could have been made to the original bill instead of opting for its outright repeal.
While the government’s decision has been met with mixed reactions, it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the deeply entrenched issue of child marriage in Assam. As the debate rages on within the state’s political corridors, the fate of the Child Marriage Restraint Act remains a subject of intense scrutiny and deliberation.
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