Assam’s new bill mandates registration of Muslim marriages and divorces, enforcing legal marriage ages and aiming to prevent child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
Assam has marked a significant milestone in its battle against child marriage with the passing of the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Mandatory Registration Bill, 2024. This landmark legislation, recently approved by the Assam Legislative Assembly, aims to bring about a substantial change in the way marriages are recorded and regulated in the state.
The bill stipulates that all Muslim marriages and divorces must now be registered with the government. It enforces a legal minimum age of 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys, aiming to prevent early marriages and ensure compliance with these age restrictions. By mandating this registration, the bill seeks to curb the prevalence of child marriage and protect young girls from becoming victims of this social issue.
In addition to combating child marriage, the legislation is designed to act as a deterrent against teenage pregnancy. It is expected to contribute to the overall development and well-being of girls by ensuring they can pursue education and opportunities without the interruption of early marriage.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his appreciation for the support received from all MLAs, emphasizing that the bill is a non-partisan effort to uphold the dignity and rights of girls. He highlighted that this legislation represents a collective commitment to addressing a deeply entrenched social issue and providing a better future for the state’s young women.
This bill is seen as a crucial step in the state’s ongoing efforts to foster gender equality and protect vulnerable populations from the consequences of child marriage.