In India, the general minimum marriage age for girls has been 18. However, there has been a long-standing demand to increase this age. Himachal Pradesh has now taken a significant step in this direction.
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly has passed a bill raising the minimum marriage age for girls to 21. The Himachal Pradesh Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill, 2024, was passed by the Assembly today.
During the monsoon session on Tuesday, Health, Social Justice, and Empowerment Minister Dhani Ram Shandil presented the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment Bill, 2024).
The bill was passed unanimously without discussion. It will now be sent to the Governor for approval. Currently, the minimum marriage age for girls in the state is 18, and the state government is increasing it by three years.
The revised draft of the bill was approved by the state cabinet seven months ago, and it has now been passed in the Assembly.
The Himachal government argues that raising the minimum marriage age will provide girls with more opportunities for advancement. Early marriage often interrupts their education and future prospects.
Additionally, early marriages can negatively impact the health of girls when they become mothers at a young age.
Himachal Chief Minister Sukhiwinder Singh Sukhu stated that this marks the first time in the state's history that a 10-day monsoon session is being held.
In his remarks, he expressed gratitude to officials, employees, youth, and young children who supported the state during challenging times.
