Overview

• The third phase of Assam's crackdown on child marriage began on December 21-22, resulting in 416 arrests and 335 cases registered under relevant laws.
• Since the campaign's launch in February 2023, over 5,800 individuals have been arrested and 5,300 cases registered across three phases.
• Authorities report significant improvements in Assam's maternal and infant mortality rates, which have dropped markedly since the campaign began.
• The latest arrests include men who married underage girls, family members, and two religious leaders accused of facilitating child marriages.
• The state government aims to eliminate child marriage by 2025, citing findings from a national survey showing Assam's high prevalence of underage marriages.