Sources said the government would not like to rush the passage of an important law, which will have far-reaching implications, and which is being opposed by a section of commentators, activists and some political parties. Though the cabinet had approved raising the marriageable age, it is believed that the government may leave room for a thorough scrutiny of the bill by a standing committee if such demands arise from the opposition parties.
Last week, the cabinet approved the introduction of the ‘Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021’ to amend the ‘Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA)’. The age of marriage for women was raised from 15 to 18 in 1978 by amending the then Sharda Act of 1929. Samajwadi Party member, CPM and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, have opposed this move.
As the debate intensifies, the Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Deputy Leader Rajya Sabha, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Saturday hit out at opponents at an event to celebrate ‘Minority Day’, saying the “Taliban mindset” on women’s freedom, dignity, empowerment and constitutional equality will not be tolerated.
It is clear that a big test of the proposed law of the Center will be held in Parliament. The government sees the proposed amendment law as a strong measure to bring women on par with men in keeping with the Constitution’s vision on gender equality. The move is also being cited by the government as a move that will help women achieve psychological maturity before marriage, exercise their reproductive rights better, and play a bigger role in decision-making on family planning and contraceptive use. will allow. However, the move has also received mixed reactions from women and child rights organizations.
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