The issue of child marriage is one of the emerging concerns among the developing countries. According to the 2001 census there are 1.5 million girls, in India, under the age of 15 already married.
Ignorance, illiteracy, poor health, economic and social backwardness, social practices and traditions, and the prevalence of child marriage is only a reflection of dismal situation. The repercussions of child marriage, especially for girls, are extremely adverse. With early marriage comes early pregnancy, putting the lives of both the mother and baby at risk.
Activist from HRLN and Barak Human Rights Protection Committee did a fact finding in Cachar District in Assam and has investigated the incidence, causes and effects of child marriage in the area. The following report outlines the facts and fundamental rights violations women and girls face in rural Cachar.
It is said that the Government and State Government are making an effort to curb the evil practices of child marriage in the county. But the question is “Is government successful in curbing the age old practices of child marriage in India? The attached report will answer the question by analyzing the child marriage situation in Assam and it status of implementation of child marriage laws.
The full report is attached.
Contact: Pritisha Borah; pritisha@hrln.org