Men married to minor girls will be jailed: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Singapore, Japan to employ nurses from state

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday reiterated the state government's commitment to eradicating the menace of child marriage from Assam, and warned that very soon thousands of men will be put behind bars for the offence of marrying under-age girls.

Speaking at a function where appointment letters were distributed to staff nurses and police personnel, Sarma said that the government is firm against child marriage because this practice contributes to high incidence of both maternal and infant mortality.

"We are trying to stop child marriage because if you give birth to children at a very young age, you would face problems. Similarly, if you do the same thing after reaching a higher age, like 30 or 35, there could be complications. Many people keep delaying these things, and it gives rise to problems", Sarma said. He said that women should give birth to children between the ages of 22 and 30 years. "Neither less nor more than that is a good age for giving birth to children because the human body has certain basic things. God has made our bodies like that", he said.

The Chief Minister appealed to the 1,136 staff nurses appointed today to behave in a 'soft' manner with their patients. He said that the government is going to modify the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course and incorporate the English and Computer subjects in the course. He said that the modification is being planned because talks are underway with Singapore and Japan for sending nurses to these countries from Assam and other states of the Northeast. He said that this year, Singapore will recruit 200 nurses from Assam and neighbouring states, and aspiring candidates should have functional knowledge of English and Computer.

"If we succeed in imparting such soft skills, then the way will be paved for 2,000 to 3,000 nurses landing jobs in Japan and Singapore", he informed the gathering.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also distributed appointment letters to 72 police personnel who have been recruited from families of police personnel who were martyred in the line of duty since 1988. There are 422 such families in the state, Sarma said, adding that the relevant paperwork is being verified so that eligible members of the remaining families can be given appointment letters as well.

Also Read:  Assam Police arrested four for arranging child marriage in Barpeta district

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