Africa Business Radio

The Indian government has cleared a proposal to raise the minimum age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 as women’s rights activists fear the move could lead to a real disaster. The report says the decision to raise the age was made during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The government is likely to introduce an amendment to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and consequently bring amendments to the Special Marriage Act and personal laws such as the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the proposal, saying the government is constantly concerned about the health of daughters and sisters.