GUWAHATI, March 4: Assam’s war against child marriage is yielding remarkable results, with cases plummeting by a staggering 81% in just one year. Now, the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) is setting its sights on an even bolder target—a 90% reduction by the end of 2025.
Speaking at the 15th Foundation Day of ASCPCR, Chairperson and retired IPS officer Shyamal Saikia credited relentless police crackdowns, awareness drives, and legal action for the significant progress.
“In 2023, the state police registered 4,387 cases of child marriage in the first drive and 682 cases in the second. Over 3,425 arrests were made initially, followed by 913 more in the later phase,” Saikia stated. However, in 2024, child marriage cases dropped dramatically to just 345, with arrests shrinking to 431—a clear sign that Assam’s tough stance is working.
While legal action plays a key role, ASCPCR isn’t stopping there. Over the past year, the Commission has conducted 28 awareness campaigns, 21 workshops, and 8 review meetings across the state, tackling crucial child rights issues like child trafficking, child labour, child marriage, education & health and cybercrime awareness.
“The Commission has been particularly vigilant in preventing child labour in illegal mining sites. Special operations in Tinsukia’s coal mines led to the rescue of 982 child labourers from 32 districts in 2024,” Saikia said.
“While the child marriage crackdown has been successful, the state continues to grapple with cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act. ASCPCR reported 103 POCSO cases, with 53 resolved and 52 still under investigation—many originating from Dhubri and Morigaon districts,” Saikia also said.
Recognizing the rising threat of cybercrimes against teenagers, ASCPCR has also taken an innovative step—producing a special documentary to educate young minds on online dangers.
“With 253 child-related cases registered in 2024, including issues of abuse and neglect, ASCPCR is intensifying its monitoring efforts. 52 field visits have already been completed to ensure the implementation of child protection laws,” he said.
“Our mission is clear—to bring child marriage down by 90% and continue fighting for every child’s right to safety, education, and a better future,” Saikia affirmed.
With momentum on its side, Assam is proving that when the system takes a zero-tolerance stance against child exploitation, change is not just possible—it’s happening.
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