All Agree! Himachal Pradesh Unanimously Passes Bill To Raise Minimum Marriage Age For Girls To 21

The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly has approved a bill to raise the marriage age for girls 18 to 21 years. The Himachal Pradesh Child Marriage Prohibition Bill-2024 was passed unanimously on Tuesday (August 27) during the Monsoon Session of the Assembly.

The bill was introduced by Health, Social Justice, and Empowerment Minister Dhaniram Shandil. He presented the Child Marriage Prohibition (Himachal Pradesh Amendment Bill, 2024) on Tuesday. The bill faced no opposition or discussion, showing a consensus among lawmakers.

Health and Education Benefits

Minister Dhani Ram Shandil highlighted that the Child Marriage Act 2006 aimed to prohibit child marriages. He stressed the need to increase the minimum marriage age for girls to ensure gender equality and provide opportunities for higher education. Early pregnancies also negatively impact girls' health, he added.

The push to raise the marriage age for girls in Himachal Pradesh has been ongoing for some time. The state cabinet approved the revised draft of the bill seven months ago, recognising the need for legislative measures to enhance young women's welfare and empowerment.

Current Legal Age and Future Changes

Currently, the legal marriage age for girls in Himachal Pradesh is 18 years, similar to most parts of India. However, with this bill's passage, the state government aims to give girls more time for education and personal development before marriage.

Once signed by the Governor, the new law will come into effect. This change is expected to provide significant benefits in terms of health and educational opportunities for young women in the state.

The amendment increases the legal marriage age for girls by three years. The bill will now be forwarded to the Governor for final approval.

This legislative move reflects a broader effort within Himachal Pradesh to improve gender equality and support young women's growth and development. By raising the marriage age, lawmakers hope to create a more equitable society where women have better chances at education and career opportunities before entering into marriage.