Agartala, July 18:
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has announced that the state government is considering making marriage registration mandatory for all social weddings as a proactive measure to combat the persistent issue of child marriage.
Speaking on the sidelines of a public event, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of formal registration as a legal safeguard and a crucial step in monitoring and preventing underage marriages. “The government is seriously contemplating introducing a rule to make marriage registration compulsory for all social marriages in the state,” he said.
According to 2020 data from the Social Education and Social Welfare Department, Tripura ranks third in India in terms of child marriages, following West Bengal and Bihar. This alarming statistic has prompted the state administration to explore more stringent and enforceable measures to tackle the issue.
Chief Minister Saha said the government is also considering the implementation of pre-marital age verification procedures to ensure compliance with legal age requirements for marriage. The move is expected to strengthen existing laws and act as a deterrent against child marriage, especially in rural and tribal areas.
“Child marriage not only violates the rights of children but also hampers their education, health, and overall development. We are committed to eliminating this social evil,” the Chief Minister stated.
The proposed policy, once finalized, would require families to officially register marriages with the appropriate authorities, making it easier for the administration to verify age and take legal action if necessary.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote child welfare, women’s empowerment, and gender equality in Tripura. The government is expected to hold consultations with stakeholders before implementing the policy in the coming months.
