Muslim cleric opposes Centre's move to raise minimum marriage age of women; demands reason

Slamming Centre for increasing legal marriage age for women from 18 to 21 years, Muslim cleric Sufiyan Nizami demanded reason for move. In a video message, Nizami said that if this is done to prevent child marriage, n Muslims have never followed such a trition. In a significant step towards women empowerment,  Union Cabinet on Wednesday passed a proposal to raise legal marriage age for women from 18 to 21 years, same as men. 

"In or communities, re have been several complaints of child marriage but Muslims don't follow it. What is reason behind increased marriage age? We will not welcome this action until proper reason is known. We should accept and execute existing laws," ded Sufiyan Nizami. 

Wisdom Islamic Organisation opposes Centre's decision 

In a statement issued on Thursday, Wisdom Islamic Organisation, a Salafi group in Kerala said decision will have far-reaching consequences in country where communities live in different social situations. Its state general secretary T K Ashraf also asked for reason behind decision. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MPs have also moved an journment motion in parliament against action. Muslim League leers alleged that decision to raise age is a planned move to implement uniform civil code in country. 

Cabinet clears proposal to increase minimum marriage age for women

Back in 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi h announced move during his Independence Day dress.  proposal was recommended by a task force set by government to examine women-related matters pertaining to age of morhood, imperatives of lowering MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate), improvement of nutritional levels, among ors. 

Heed by Jaya Jaitly, task force me recommendations after extensive consultations with experts, young ults, especially young women as decision affects m directly. Jaitly said  move aimed at empowering women and not controlling population. She pointed out that data released by NFHS 5 (National Family Health Survey) has alrey shown that Total Fertility Rate is decreasing and population is under control.

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