Guwahati, Jan 1: In a significant development, four villages in Assam’s Cachar district have been officially declared child marriage-free, marking a key achievement in the state’s ongoing efforts to eliminate child marriage.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the news on social media, stating, “Assam has taken a firm stance against child marriage. We are putting the last nail in the coffin of this social evil across the State.” The villages—Rukni Part IV (Palonghat block), Bhairabpur Part I (Kalain block), and Rosekandy Grant I and II (Tapang block)—achieved this status under the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative.

The Chief Minister credited the success to the implementation of government schemes such as the Nijut Moina scheme and the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Act, 2024, which have been instrumental in curbing the practice.

In addition, Assam has intensified its crackdown on child marriages. Over the past year, 5,348 cases were registered, and 5,842 individuals were arrested during three special operations. The most recent operation in December resulted in 431 arrests and 345 new cases, while earlier drives in February and October 2023 led to 3,425 arrests and 4,387 cases filed, with a high conviction rate.