Assam’s Cachar District Marks Milestone with Free of Child Marriage

Assam (India) December 31 : In a major step towards fight against child marriage, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently announced that four villages in Assam’s Cachar district have been declared ‘child marriage-free’. The announcement marks a significant achievement in the state’s ongoing efforts to eliminate the harmful practice that affects thousands of young girls. 

The Village Initiative

The villages of Kachurthal, Purbander, Kalinagar, and Garukhuti in Cachar district are the first to be recognized for their efforts in eradicating child marriage. These villages have been actively involved in awareness programs, community mobilization, and educational initiatives that focus on the importance of delaying marriage until adulthood. Local authorities, along with non-governmental organizations, have played a crucial role in spreading awareness about the dangers of child marriage.

Government’s Role in Eliminating Child Marriage

The Assam government has been working tirelessly to eliminate child marriage in the region. Through several programs and campaigns, the government aims to educate people about the legal age for marriage, which is 18 for girls and 21 for boys.

The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the villagers for their dedication and hard work in making their communities child marriage-free. He highlighted the importance of continued efforts to spread awareness about the negative impact of child marriage on young girls' health, education, and future prospects.

Community Involvement and Support

Community involvement has been a key factor in the success of the initiative. Leaders from these villages, including teachers, religious heads, and local influencers, have supported the campaign to prevent child marriage.

They have worked alongside the government to conduct meetings, seminars, and awareness programs that highlight the dangers of child marriage and the benefits of allowing young girls to complete their education and grow into adulthood.

Expansion to Other Villages

While this success in Cachar district is a positive step forward, the state government plans to extend this initiative to more villages across Assam. The Chief Minister stated that this milestone should serve as an inspiration for other villages to follow peer. Through continued efforts, Assam aims to ensure that child marriage becomes a thing of the past, creating a brighter future for girls across the state.

A Strong Step Towards a Better Future

The declaration of these four villages as ‘child marriage-free’ is a hopeful sign of progress in the fight against child marriage in Assam. With continued community engagement, government support, and awareness efforts, it is expected that more villages will follow this example, paving the way for a future where girls have the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive without the restrictions of early marriage.

 By Manasa Permulla