Parliamentary Panel examining Prohibition of Child Marriage Amendment or PCMA Bill 2021, gets another extension

Parliamentary Panel examining Prohibition of Child Marriage Amendment or PCMA Bill 2021, gets another extension.

PCMA Bill 2021 was introduced in Lok Sabha, ‘and’ was then referred to the Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports (under the Rajya Sabha).

• The bill is based on the recommendations of Jaya Jaitley committee (2020) where it suggested increasing the age of marriage for females to 21 from 18.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 came into force on November 1, 2007. It forbids child marriages, and protects and provides assistance to the victims of child marriages.

Key provisions of PCMA (Amendment) Bill, 2021

• Objective: Seeks to bring parity in the minimum age of marriage for men and women overriding all existing laws, including any custom, usage, or practice governing the parties in relation to marriage.
• Will amend the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
• Definition of child: It provides that child means a male or female who has not completed twenty-one years of age.

Arguments for Increasing Age of Marriage

• Gender neutrality in marriage age.
• Women would get more time to pursue higher education and participate in the workforce.
• Avoid early age pregnancies.

Arguments against Increasing Age of Marriage

• Priority should be given to curb child marriages.
• May not address the social and cultural patriarchal norms.
• At age of 18 could vote but could not exercise the right of choice to marry.