Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has announced a new policy that may require marriage registration before the actual ceremony in an effort to combat child marriages in the state. The policy, if implemented, aims to enforce age-appropriate marriages through stricter documentation procedures.
Dr. Saha made the announcement during an awareness event under the Drug-Free India Campaign at Gandhigram Higher Secondary School in Bamutia block. He emphasized the seriousness of child marriage and the need for collective responsibility in raising awareness on the issue. The Chief Minister highlighted the story of a girl from the minority community who was awarded by the President of India for opposing her own child marriage, urging others to draw inspiration from her.
According to the proposed reform, birth certificates would be mandatory to verify the age of individuals getting married. This would ensure that girls are at least 18 and boys are 21 before registering for marriage. Dr. Saha stated that this reform will help establish a legal framework before social ceremonies take place.
In addition to addressing child marriage, Dr. Saha also spoke about the issue of drug trafficking in the state. He warned that no one involved in the drug trade will be spared and reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking. The Chief Minister acknowledged that while Tripura did not face major addiction issues in the past, the problem has worsened over the last four decades. The BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the state, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have prioritized tackling the drug menace through continuous monitoring and strict enforcement.
Dr. Saha concluded by stressing the importance of awareness campaigns in shaping a future free from both drugs and child marriage. He urged the public to join hands in the fight against these social evils to create a better and safer society for future generations.
