Guwahati, Jan 23: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that a massive crackdown will start against child marriages in the state.
Talking to newsmen on Monday in Guwahati, Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “A massive crackdown against child marriages will soon start across the state. We have decided to appoint Child marriage Prohibition officers to look into the cases. One lakh child marriage cases are there in Assam.”
“During our cabinet meeting, we have decided to start a massive crackdown against child marriage. Instructions have already been given to the Assam police to book the guilty under the POSCO Act. The child marriage cases are higher in 10 districts of Assam. From now, we will become very strict against child marriage cases,” Sarma informed.
He further said, “We have a report in Assam that a nine year old girl has become a mother. Those who support child marriage will also be booked under law.”
“As per survey, 16 cases of child marriage have been reported from Dima Hasao district. In Dibrugarh 23% cases were reported. Action will be taken across Assam,” he added.
The Assam CM stated that Karnataka was the first state to appoint child marriage prohibition officers. The state has booked 10,000 couples and prevented 11,000 child marriage cases. “We have inspired from Karnataka and decided to appoint child marriage prohibition officer to prevent such cases,” he said.
