MP to raise marriageable age

Bhopal, July 27 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh Government is considering to raise the minimum marriageable age to 21 years for women and 25 years for men.

''The idea was being mooted by the government under the proposed women policy and suggestions would be sought from women representatives during the Mahila Panchayat here on July 30. A draft would be sent to the Centre if consensus was arrived at the meeting,'' Women and Child Development Minister Kusum Mehdele told reporters here.

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 women participation in the state government-controlled schemes and to discuss women's problems.

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

UNI AG-PS SP 1729