The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly has passed a bill to raise the minimum marriage age for girls from 18 to 21 years. The Himachal Pradesh Child Marriage Prohibition Bill-2024 was passed unanimously on Tuesday (August 27) during the Monsoon Session of the Assembly.
The bill, introduced by the state’s Health, Social Justice, and Empowerment Minister Dhaniram Shandil, sought to amend the existing child marriage laws in the state. The amendment increases the legal marriage age for girls by three years and will now be forwarded to the Governor for final approval.
Purpose of the Amendment
Presenting the Child Marriage Prohibition (Himachal Pradesh Amendment Bill, 2024), Minister Shandil emphasized the need to revise the minimum marriage age to promote gender equality and provide opportunities for girls to pursue higher education. He noted that early pregnancies often have adverse effects on the health of young girls, highlighting the importance of this legislative change.
Background and Legislative Process
The push to raise the marriage age for girls in Himachal Pradesh has been underway for some time. The state cabinet approved the revised draft of the bill seven months ago, recognizing the need for stronger legislative measures to enhance the welfare and empowerment of young women. The amendment reflects a consensus among lawmakers, as it was passed without any opposition or discussion.
Impact and Next Steps
Currently, the legal marriage age for girls in Himachal Pradesh is 18 years, aligning with the standard across most of India. With the passage of this bill, the state government aims to provide young women with additional time for education and personal development before entering into marriage.
Once the bill receives the Governor’s assent, the new law will come into effect, setting the minimum marriage age for girls at 21 years and marking a significant step towards enhancing opportunities and protecting the rights of young women in the state.
