MP Govt considers raising marriageable age limit

Bhopal, July 27 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh Government is considering raising the minimum marriageable age in the state.

''The idea to increase the minimum age limit -- from 18 to 21 years for women and 21 to 25 years for men -- for marriage was being mooted by the government under the proposed women policy,'' Women and Child Development Minister Kusum Mehdele told reporters here.

''Suggestions would be sought from women during the Mahila Panchayat to be organised at the Chief Minister's residence on July 30. A draft would be sent to the Centre if a consensus were arrived at during the meeting,'' Ms Mehdele said.

The proposal to raise the age bar is aimed at improving the state of health of women besides providing them better education.

More than 1,000 women representatives were expected to participate in the meeting, which aimed at encouraging participation of women in the state government-controlled schemes and women's problems.

Several child marriages take place in the state every year despite the present limit.

UNI AG-PS 1627