Current Affairs-Topics

Himachal Pradesh Raises Women's Marriage Age to 21

Himachal Pradesh has passed the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024, which will increase the minimum age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. The new definition of "child" includes anyone under 21 years old, regardless of gender.

Legislative Details and Process

  • The Himachal Pradesh State Assembly passed the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024 on August 27, 2024.
  • The bill was introduced by Women Empowerment Minister Dhani Ram Shandil during the monsoon session.
  • It was passed by voice vote and will be sent to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla for assent.
  • If signed into law, Himachal Pradesh will be one of the first states to implement this change.
  • The bill amends the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (Act No. 6 of 2007) as applicable to Himachal Pradesh.
  • For the bill to become law, it needs approval from both the Governor of Himachal Pradesh and the President of India.

Key Changes in the Law

  • The minimum age of marriage for women is increased from 18 to 21 years.
  • The new definition of "child" includes anyone under 21 years old, regardless of gender.
  • The new age limit of 21 will take priority over conflicting laws, customs, or practices.
  • The time allowed to annul a child marriage is extended from two years to five years after reaching adulthood.
  • The law aims to supersede other existing laws that may conflict with the new age limit.

Reasons and Objectives for the Amendment

  • To support gender equality and provide greater educational opportunities for women.
  • To address the negative impacts of early marriages on girls' education and development.
  • To mitigate health risks associated with early pregnancies.
  • To allow both young men and women more time for personal and professional growth before marriage.
  • To transform society and set a precedent for other states to follow.
  • The amendment is seen as part of a larger effort to combat child marriage and support women's rights in the state.

Political Support and Reactions

  • The bill received support across party lines in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly.
  • Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Social Justice, emphasized the importance of the bill for societal change.
  • BJP legislator Reena Kashyap highlighted the necessity of the decision, stating that at 21, youth are mentally and physically mature enough for marriage.
  • Anuradha Rana, the youngest legislator and a Congress MLA, expressed satisfaction with the legislation, calling it historic and beneficial for women's careers.

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