Assam has intensified its crackdown on child marriage, with the police reporting over 430 arrests and 345 cases registered during their third special drive. This operation, which spanned across various districts, reflects the state government's unwavering commitment to eradicatethe longstanding social issue. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has underscored the importance of this initiative, emphasizing the aim to completely eliminate child marriage by 2026.
The latest operation, which commenced on December 21, 2024, saw extensive coordination across Assam, marking another chapter in the fight against child marriage after prior successful campaigns. During this drive, notable arrests included not just men who had married underage girls but also family members and religious practitioners, known as Kazis, who facilitate these illicit unions. The Assam police have made it clear: the targeting of facilitators, including Kazis involved, is integral to their strategy.
According to the police, the total number of arrests related to child marriage has now reached 5,348 individuals over the past two years, with 5,842 cases registered since the campaign's initiation. This reflects both the scale of the issue and the persistent efforts of law enforcement to confront it head-on.
At the heart of this campaign is the recognition of child marriage as not just a social evil but also a public health issue. "Before launching operations against child marriage, the Assam Police undertakes at least six months of groundwork to gather comprehensive information," remarked M.P. Gupta, Additional Director General of Police, indicating the lengths the police go to before executing these drives. The groundwork allows police to effectively plan raids, which are proving to be increasingly effective.
The impact of these operations is significant. The Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has reported drastic declines, decreasing to 372 from 984 between FY 2020-21 and FY 2023-24, and the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) similarly plummeted from 9,472 to 4,790 during the same period, as Gupta pointed out. These improvements are attributed, at least partly, to combating the practice of child marriage. The assertion by Sarma emphasizing, "We aim to completely eradicate child marriage from Assam," underlines the state's resolute approach.
The police declared their commitment to continue with operations until the abhorrent practice is fully eliminated. Informing on the previous rounds, police data indicates the February 2023 drive led to 3,425 arrests and 4,387 cases registered, followed by another round of 913 arrests and 682 cases recorded in October 2023. Now with the current drive, the number of cases signifies growing attention to this pressing issue. The fact is, the drive against child marriage has delivered tangible benefits, breeding greater awareness and compliance among the populace.
Indeed, the aim is not solely punitive; educational initiatives and welfare measures are concurrently pushed, symbolized by the Nijut Moina scheme, intending to bolster the job prospects for young girls and improve their quality of life. When discussing the broader initiative against child marriage, Sarma asserted, "No one will be allowed to exploit the lives of young boys and girls in Assam," advocating for not only the elimination of child marriages but also the consequential rise of awareness around child rights.
The judicial process accompanying the crackdown has seen impressive outcomes, with charge-sheets filed for over 95% of the cases registered, indicating the robustness of the legal framework aimed at combatting child marriage. This level of accountability is promising, even as challenges remain to alter deeply rooted societal customs surrounding marriage.
Critics, including some who voice opposition to the drive, argue about possible conflicts with cultural practices. Nonetheless, the Assam government remains adamant, willing to confront social traditions and enforce change. The present push against child marriage marks not just law enforcement action but also signifies cultural and systemic challenges being put to the test.
With the involvement of community and family members subjected to scrutiny, the police have shown their commitment to target all responsible parties thoroughly. Cases involving forged documents, fake age certificates, and other illegal facilitation methods are under rigorous investigation, assuring the public of the seriousness with which these allegations are treated.
Therefore, as Assam embarks on this momentous mission to vanquish the evil of child marriage, the ripple effects on public health and community consciousness stand to be significant. The police aim to sustain momentum until child marriage is completely eradicated, with the latest figures showcasing the intense efforts dedicated to this fight.
Assam's endeavor not only enhances social welfare but speaks to the issues of public health, education, and social equity. The state has illustrated its firm stance on child rights and welfare, granting the vision necessary for the changes it seeks.
