Himachal Pradesh Raises Marriage Age for Girls to 21
On the first day of the monsoon session, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly took a significant step by passing an amendment to raise the marriageable age for girls in the state from 18 to 21 years. The move, introduced by Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandi, aligns with the Central government’s initiative to uplift the legal marriage age, ensuring that young women have better opportunities for education and career advancement.
In presenting the bill, Minister Shandi stressed the importance of this change, stating, “By increasing the marriageable age, we are giving our girls the time and space to develop fully, both personally and professionally, before they enter into marriage. Early marriages often lead to adverse health effects for young mothers and limit their future prospects.”
This amendment is not just about numbers; it’s about offering a brighter future to the young women of Himachal Pradesh, ensuring they have the opportunity to achieve their full potential before stepping into marriage.
However, the session wasn’t just about legislative progress. The opening day saw a turbulent start, with the opposition BJP demanding an immediate discussion on what they described as a deteriorating law and order situation in the state. The Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, put forward an adjournment motion under Rule 67, highlighting recent incidents, including a violent clash in Baddi where two individuals were severely injured, and another in Palampur.
Responding to the concerns, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured the assembly that the government had taken strict action against those involved in criminal activities, particularly targeting drug-related crimes. He questioned the opposition’s motives, reaffirming his government’s commitment to tackling the drug menace head-on.
The day marked a mix of legislative progress and political tensions, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense session ahead.
