Himachal Assembly passes bill to raise marriage age of women from 18 to 21

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The Himachal Pradesh Assembly has passed a bill that raises the minimum age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Women Empowerment Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, was approved by voice vote. The bill amends the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which was originally aimed at preventing child marriages.

Focus on women's progress

The bill underlines the importance of delaying marriage to support women's career development and physical growth. It seeks to provide women with more opportunities to pursue higher education, thereby promoting gender equality.

Government's commitment to women's interests

Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu stressed that the bill reflects the government's commitment to serve the best interests of women.

He highlighted that Himachal Pradesh is the first state in India to enact such a law, with the Congress party leading the women empowerment initiative.