Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 27: In a landmark achievement, the Assam government has recorded an 81% decline in child marriages across 20 districts between 2021-22 and 2023-24, reflecting the success of its focused crackdown on the practice. This progress aligns with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s pledge to eradicate child marriage in the state by 2026.
The state’s determined efforts were praised during the NDA Chief Ministers’ Conclave in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the event, lauded Assam’s relentless drive to eliminate child marriage and urged other NDA-ruled states to emulate Assam’s model. He also directed senior officials to visit Assam to study the initiative’s impact firsthand.
CM Sarma, speaking at the Assam House on Monday, shared that the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, and other NDA Chief Ministers commended Assam’s comprehensive strategy, including police crackdowns and public cooperation.
A crucial component of this initiative is the Nijut Moina Scheme, launched in 2024. This Rs 1,500 crore scheme supports 10 lakh girls with annual financial grants to continue their education and resist child marriage. Students enrolled in government or aided institutions receive:
- Rs 10,000 annually (after completing higher secondary),
- Rs 12,500 (after graduation),
- Rs 25,000 (after post-graduation).
Beyond financial support, Assam’s multi-phase campaign also includes arrests, community engagement, and awareness drives — all contributing to a sharp decline in child marriages.
The 2025 conclave also showcased best practices from other NDA states in areas like water conservation, education, women’s empowerment, and governance reforms.