Syllabus: GS-I & V: Social Issues in Assam

Why in the News?

Assam has recorded a significant decline in child marriage, emerging as one of India’s leading states in combating the practice through a combination of legal action, community awareness and policy interventions.

More About the News

According to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2023-24, the prevalence of child marriage in Assam has declined from 31.8% in NFHS-5 (2019-21) to 25.3%, while urban Assam has recorded a much lower prevalence of 9.2%.

Further, the independent report “Tipping Point to Zero: Evidence Towards a Child Marriage Free India” (2025) found that:

• Assam recorded the sharpest decline in India, with an 84% reduction among girls and a 91% reduction among boys between 2022-23 and 2024-25, compared to the national decline of 69% and 72% respectively.
• Nearly 76% of respondents identified legal measures such as registration of First Information Reports and arrests as effective tools in reducing child marriage.
• Awareness regarding child marriage laws reached 99% of respondents, with television (92%) and non-governmental organisations (76%) emerging as major information sources.
• Awareness regarding Child Welfare Committees (31%) and child helpline services (22%) remains relatively low.

The findings indicate that Assam’s approach has contributed to measurable social change and has drawn national attention as a possible model for other states.

Child Marriage in Assam

Child marriage has historically remained a major social challenge in Assam.

• According to the 2011 Census, nearly 2.6 lakh children in Assam were married before attaining the legal age of marriage.
• NFHS-5 (2019-21) reported that 31.8% of girls in Assam were married before 18 years, significantly higher than the national average of 23.3%.
• Districts such as Dhubri, Barpeta, Nagaon and Morigaon have consistently reported higher prevalence rates.
• The practice has traditionally been linked to poverty, social customs, gender discrimination, insecurity and lack of educational opportunities.

Causes of Child Marriage in Assam

• Poverty, economic insecurity and dowry-related concerns often encourage families to arrange early marriages.
• Social and cultural traditions continue to normalise child marriage in certain communities.
• School dropout among adolescent girls increases vulnerability to early marriage.
• Deep-rooted gender inequality often leads to girls being viewed as economic burdens.
• Fear regarding safety and social stigma encourages some families to marry daughters early.
• Weak enforcement of laws in the past allowed the practice to continue with limited consequences.

Legal and Policy Interventions in Assam

Assam has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to address child marriage.

• Strict enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.
• Statewide crackdown in 2023 involving arrests of parents, guardians, facilitators and officiants involved in child marriages.
• Repeal of the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935, which had earlier allowed registration of underage marriages.
• Implementation of the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina Scheme to encourage girls to continue education through financial incentives.
• Awareness campaigns conducted in collaboration with civil society organisations, community groups and educational institutions.
• Promotion of compulsory marriage registration to strengthen accountability and legal monitoring.

Why Assam’s Success Matters

The decline in child marriage demonstrates that legal enforcement and social awareness can work together to challenge deeply entrenched practices.

• Reduction in child marriage contributes to improved maternal and child health outcomes.
• Girls are more likely to continue education and participate in the workforce.
• Women gain greater agency in personal and economic decision-making.
• The practice of child marriage loses social legitimacy when communities witness consistent legal consequences.

Importantly, recent evidence suggests that child marriage is not always driven solely by poverty. Instances have also been observed among economically better-off and educated sections, indicating that social norms and traditional attitudes remain important drivers.

Consequences of Child Marriage

• Increases maternal mortality, early pregnancy risks and nutritional deficiencies.
• Leads to school dropout and reduced educational attainment among girls.
• Contributes to depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges.
• Violates constitutional rights and child protection principles.
• Perpetuates inter-generational poverty, poor health and gender inequality.

Remaining Challenges

• Certain districts continue to exhibit resistance due to conservative social norms.
• Economic deprivation and educational gaps remain important risk factors.
• Rehabilitation and long-term support for rescued children require strengthening.
• Links between child marriage, child labour and trafficking need greater policy attention.
• Awareness regarding institutional child protection mechanisms remains inadequate.

Way Forward

• Strengthen fast-track courts, compulsory marriage registration and local monitoring mechanisms.
• Expand educational support through scholarships, hostels, bicycles and skill development programmes for girls.
• Integrate women’s empowerment initiatives with anti-child marriage campaigns.
• Involve Panchayati Raj institutions, religious leaders, community organisations and women’s groups in behavioural change efforts.
• Replicate successful elements of the Assam model in high-prevalence states such as Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Rajasthan.
• Sustain long-term awareness campaigns linking child marriage to health, education and development outcomes.

Conclusion

The decline of child marriage in Assam represents one of the most significant social transformations in recent years. The combination of political will, legal enforcement, community participation and awareness campaigns has helped challenge a practice that had been socially accepted for generations. While substantial challenges remain, Assam’s experience demonstrates that determined action can bring measurable change and offers important lessons for achieving a child marriage-free India by 2030.

Mains Question

“Assam’s success in reducing child marriage highlights the importance of combining legal enforcement with social awareness. Examine the factors behind this success and discuss the challenges that remain in achieving a child marriage-free India.” (250 words)