Two different societies exist within Assam: Himanta Biswa Sarma on girl education and child marriage

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing a public gathering on Wednesday, drew attention to the stark socio-cultural divide within the state, particularly concerning the status of young girls and their access to education.

“In some parts of Assam, girls as young as 12 are forced to bear children, while in cities like Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar, girls the same age are encouraged to pursue education and career aspirations,” the Chief Minister remarked. He expressed concern over the persistent practice of child marriage in certain regions, stating that girls are often married off as early as 9 to 12 years of age.

Highlighting the grim realities faced by girls in these areas, Sarma said, “There are places where a 14-year-old girl is condemned to spend her life as the third wife. First, her education is stopped, then she is forced into marriage, and later compelled to bear children under pressure.” He cited examples of young women, only 22 years old, who are already mothers of four, in contrast to their counterparts elsewhere in the state who are pursuing college education.

"This contrast — where one part of Assam celebrates education and empowerment, and the other suffers under the weight of regressive social customs — must be acknowledged and addressed," Sarma asserted, calling for a unified effort to bring about social reform and equal opportunities for girls across the state.

The Chief Minister’s comments come amid ongoing efforts by the state government to curb child marriage and promote women's education and health in rural and underprivileged communities.