Overview

• At the NDA Chief Ministers’ Conclave in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Assam’s sustained crackdown and invited leaders from other NDA states to observe its model firsthand.
• The Assam government’s campaign pairs targeted police enforcement with widespread community awareness programmes to deter underage unions.
• Since its February 2023 launch, Assam police have carried out more than 5,800 arrests and registered 5,300 cases related to child marriage.
• A 2024 report by India Child Protection found that 20 districts recorded an 81% drop in child marriage cases between 2021–22 and 2023–24.
• National Commission for Protection of Child Rights Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo hailed Assam’s approach as a blueprint for nationwide efforts.