(a) whether the child marriage is still prevalent in various parts of the
country;
(b) if so, the details of such cases have come to the notice of the
Government for the last three years, State-wise;
(c) the steps taken by the Government to prevent recurrence of such
incidents;
(d) whether the Government bringing a new Act in place of Marriage
Restraint Act, 1929;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the time by which it is likely to be implemented?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI RENUKA CHOWDHURY)
(a)&(b) As per information received from National Crime Record Bureau, the problem of
Child Marriage is occurring in many parts of the Country.
As per record the State/UT-wise cases registered, charge-sheeted,trial
completed, convicted during 2003 to 2005 are enclosed at Annexure - I. On the basis of
Monthly Crime Statistics, the figures of cases registered under the Act during 2006
(upto available months) are enclosed at Annexure - II.
(c) In order to prohobit the practice of child Marriage, appropriate ammendments
have been proposed in teh Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 and the Prevention
of Child Marriage Bill, 2004 is processed for consideration and passing during
the current Parliament Session. Also, awareness generation and sensitization programmes
are being undertaken for this purpose.
(d),(e)&(f) Yes, Sir. The Prevention of Child Marriage Bill, 2004 was introduced in
the Rajya Sabha on 20.12.2004 which was referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee.
The Group of Ministers considered the recommendation of the Committee and the approval
of the Cabinet has been obtained for amendments in the Bill. The notices to rajya Sabha
for consideration and passing of the Bill and amendments are under process. the Bill is
likely to be considered during the current Session of Parlament.