Agartala, July 18:
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has announced that the state government is seriously considering making marriage registration mandatory for all social weddings. The move is aimed at effectively tackling the issue of child marriage, which remains a pressing concern in the state.
Speaking at a government event in Gandhigram, West Tripura, on Thursday, CM Saha said, “The government is planning to prevent child marriage by introducing pre-marriage registration for social weddings. We are examining necessary legal provisions to make this possible. Submission of birth certificates will be made mandatory as part of the process.”
The Chief Minister explained that requiring birth certificates would allow authorities to verify the age of both the bride and groom. As per current legal norms, the minimum age for marriage is 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys.
According to 2020 data from the Social Education and Social Welfare Department, Tripura ranks third in India for child marriages, after West Bengal and Bihar. This alarming statistic has prompted the state to take stronger measures to protect children and promote social awareness.
CM Saha called on citizens to join in efforts to end child marriage, urging communities to spread awareness about its harmful effects. He highlighted the story of a courageous girl from the state’s minority community who recently received recognition from President Droupadi Murmu for her bold stand against child marriage. “Her example should inspire many others to raise their voices,” he said.
In addition to addressing child marriage, CM Saha also voiced serious concerns about the growing drug trade in the state. He noted that even prominent community members are allegedly involved in drug-related activities for financial gain. Issuing a strong warning, he said, “No one will be spared if they are caught breaking the law.”
The proposed marriage registration reform and the government’s continued focus on curbing drug abuse are part of a broader plan to ensure social welfare and legal enforcement across Tripura.
