Crackdown on child marriage in Assam leads to a decline in maternal and infant mortality rates

Guwahati, Dec 22: Assam Police today said the sustained crackdown on child marriage has significantly improved maternal and infant mortality rates in the state. The positive impact of the campaigns underscores the success of ongoing efforts to curb this illegal practice.

A senior police today stated that three statewide special drives have been conducted to date, resulting in the arrest of 4,769 individuals and the registration of 5,414 cases.

In the latest operation conducted on the night of December 21-22, 416 individuals were arrested, and 335 cases were filed across multiple districts.

In Dhubri, 68 individuals were apprehended in a major operation targeting child marriage. The crackdown sent a strong message against the practice in the region. Similarly, in Darrang, police operations focused on areas under the Sipajhar, Dalgaon, Dhula, and Shyampur police stations, registering 11 cases. In Goalpara, over 20 individuals were arrested in connection with child marriages.

An elderly man in Dhubri, waiting outside a police station, expressed his distress over the arrests. “My nephew married a girl, but he is 21 now. He was arrested at 3:30 AM,” he said, shedding light on the familial impact of these stringent measures.

According to the police, the arrested individuals include accused husbands, family members, and Kazis who facilitated underage marriages. The police have maintained a remarkable 95.2% charge-sheeting rate in these cases, reflecting strong legal follow-through.

Significant Health Improvements

The crackdown has led to a substantial decline in maternal and infant mortality rates. Official data reveals that maternal deaths dropped from 984 in FY 2020-21 to 372 in FY 2023-24, while child deaths decreased from 9,472 to 4,790 in the same period.

Authorities highlighted the critical link between eradicating child marriage and improving public health outcomes. Underage mothers face higher risks of complications, and their children are more vulnerable to early mortality.

Officials reiterated their commitment to combating child marriage, emphasizing its broader social and health implications.

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