Landmark Decision Against Child Marriage
In a landmark move aimed at curbing child marriage, the Assam Cabinet has approved a bill to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act and Rules of 1935. This decision, announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to enforce legal marriage ages and ensure parity in marriage registration practices.
The Repealing Bill 2024, which will be presented during the upcoming monsoon session of the Assembly, seeks to abolish the provisions that permitted underage marriages under specific conditions. This decision follows the Cabinet’s earlier approval of the abolition of the Act, solidifying the state’s commitment to eradicating child marriage.
Ensuring Justice and Safeguards
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized the importance of this repeal in ensuring justice for young girls. In a statement posted on X, he declared, “We have taken a significant step to ensure justice for our daughters and sisters by putting additional safeguards against child marriage.” The CM also highlighted that the decision aims to bring “parity in registration of marriage and divorce.”
The Bill will be placed before the Assembly in the next Monsoon session for consideration. Sarma noted that the State Cabinet has also been directed to draft suitable legislation for the registration of Muslim marriages in Assam, to be considered in the next session of the Assembly. This move aligns with the government’s broader objective to standardize marriage registration procedures and eliminate loopholes that enable child marriages.
Opposition’s Reaction and Broader Decisions
While the government views this repeal as a positive step, opposition parties have criticized the decision, calling it discriminatory against Muslims and an attempt to polarize voters in an election year. Despite these allegations, the government maintains that the repeal is a necessary measure to protect the rights and well-being of minors.
In addition to the repeal of the Marriage Act, the Assam Cabinet made several other significant decisions during the recent meeting. The Cabinet decided to reduce VAT on CNG from 14.5% to 5%, effective until March 31, 2027, as a measure to combat air pollution through the use of clean fuel.
Funds were also allocated for the development of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) areas, with a financial sanction of ₹200 crore for the Assam Cancer Care Foundation to support the Assam Cancer Care Project for 2024-25. This project includes the establishment of 17 cancer care hospitals, expected to benefit around 30,000 patients annually.
Furthermore, the Cabinet approved ₹375 crore for the Mukhya Mantri Ayushman Asom Yojana (MMAAY) for 2024-25 to ensure continued free-of-cost treatment for the poor. Under MMAAY, families receive cashless medical benefits up to ₹5 lakh per year, covering 36 lakh families.
To ensure the proper implementation of governance initiatives, the Cabinet mandated that ministers visit the three Barak Valley districts every month for three days on a rotational basis. Additionally, the release of ₹401.50 crore to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) was approved as the first instalment for the fiscal year 2024-45 under the SOPD-G fund.
Summary
The Assam Cabinet’s decision to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act and Rules of 1935 is a significant step towards prohibiting child marriage and ensuring parity in marriage registration. While the opposition views this move as discriminatory, the government emphasizes its commitment to protecting minors and enforcing legal marriage ages. The Cabinet also made several other key decisions, including reducing VAT on CNG and allocating funds for healthcare and development projects.
| Key Learning Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Repeal of 1935 Marriage Act | Assam Cabinet repealed the Act to prevent child marriages and ensure parity in marriage registration. |
| Significance of Repeal | The decision aims to safeguard young girls and enforce legal marriage ages. |
| Opposition’s Critique | Opposition parties criticize the move as discriminatory and politically motivated. |
| Additional Cabinet Decisions | Reduction of VAT on CNG, allocation of funds for healthcare and BTC development, and mandated ministerial visits to Barak Valley. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
