Assam’s Legal Reforms: Safeguarding Childhood, Curtailing Child Marriages

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 20th July. In a significant achievement for child protection, Assam has witnessed an 81% reduction in child marriages across 20 districts between 2021-22 and 2023-24. This data comes from the recently released report titled “Towards Justice: Ending Child Marriage” by India Child Protection (ICP) on the World Day for International Justice.

Major Findings

In a significant development, the government’s aggressive measures against child marriages have brought notable changes in several surveyed villages, home to a total population of 21 lakh, including a child population of 8 lakh.

The ICP report, which draws on data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and comprehensive surveys conducted in 1,132 villages in Assam, highlights several key findings:

1. Complete Eradication in 30% of Villages: Child marriage has been entirely eradicated in 30% of the surveyed villages, showcasing the effectiveness of targeted interventions and community engagement.
2. Significant Reduction in 40% of Villages: In an additional 40% of villages, there has been a substantial reduction in the incidence of child marriages. This indicates a positive trend towards the complete elimination of this practice.
3. 81% Overall Reduction: The combined efforts across the 20 districts have led to an impressive 81% reduction in child marriages over the past three years.

Community Belief in Legal Actions

A comprehensive survey conducted across 20 districts revealed a strong community belief in the effectiveness of legal measures. In 12 of these districts, over 90% of respondents expressed confidence that legal actions, such as arrests and the filing of FIRs (First Information Reports), could effectively address the issue of child marriages. This widespread belief reflects a growing public trust in the legal system’s ability to tackle this social menace.

Urgent Need for Legal System Reforms

Despite the evident success in curbing child marriages, the report underscores a critical need for extensive reforms within the Indian legal system to address the substantial backlog of child marriage cases. The current state of affairs presents a stark contrast to the progress made in enforcement.

In 2022, out of the 3,563 child marriage cases listed for trial, only 181 were concluded, revealing a staggering 92% pendency rate. At this rate, it could take an alarming 19 years to clear the backlog of 3,365 cases. This backlog underscores the inefficiencies and the pressing need for reforms to expedite the legal processes and deliver timely justice.

Legal Interventions and Strategies

The report calls for immediate action to overhaul the legal framework and introduce reforms that can accelerate the adjudication of child marriage cases. Recommendations include increasing the number of dedicated courts, streamlining legal procedures, and ensuring better coordination among law enforcement agencies.

The reduction in child marriages in Assam can be attributed to several strategic legal interventions and initiatives:

1. Strict Enforcement of Laws: Assam has rigorously enforced existing laws against child marriage, including the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. This has been supplemented by community awareness programs about the legal implications of child marriage.
2. Special Task Forces: The formation of special task forces in vulnerable districts has played a crucial role. These task forces work closely with local law enforcement agencies to identify and prevent potential child marriages.
3. Community Engagement and Education: Extensive community engagement programs have been launched to educate villagers about the adverse effects of child marriage on health, education, and overall well-being. This has been pivotal in changing societal attitudes towards child marriage.
4. Support Systems for At-Risk Girls: Initiatives providing educational and economic support to at-risk girls and their families have helped to reduce the economic pressures that often lead to child marriage.
5. Collaboration with NGOs and Local Organizations: The state has collaborated with various NGOs and local organizations to monitor and report instances of child marriage, ensuring swift action is taken.

Impact on the Ground

The impact of these interventions is evident in the data and the changing narratives within communities:

• Empowered Communities: Empowerment and education of community leaders have been integral. In many cases, local leaders have become advocates against child marriage, furthering the cause within their communities.
• Increased School Enrollment: There has been a noticeable increase in school enrollment among girls in the affected districts, indicating a shift towards prioritizing education over early marriage.
• Health and Welfare: Improved health outcomes for young girls have been reported, as they are less likely to experience early pregnancies, which can lead to severe health complications.

Conclusion

The survey results highlight the positive impact of the government’s crackdown on child marriages, reflected in the significant shift in community attitudes and the belief in legal actions. However, to sustain this momentum and ensure comprehensive eradication of child marriages, urgent legal system reforms are indispensable. Addressing the high pendency rate and improving the efficiency of legal processes will be crucial in securing a future where child marriages are a relic of the past.

Assam’s concerted efforts and legal interventions have set a benchmark in the fight against child marriage. The dramatic reduction in child marriages across the state not only highlights the success of these strategies but also underscores the importance of sustained legal action, community engagement, and education in eradicating harmful practices.

The “Towards Justice: Ending Child Marriage” report serves as a testament to what can be achieved when there is a collective will to protect the rights and futures of young girls. As Assam continues its journey towards justice and child protection, its model can serve as an inspiration and blueprint for other regions grappling with similar challenges.