NEW DELHI: The Centre has approved raising the minimum age of marriage for women from 18 to 21. The law may be amended in the present session of the Parliament.

During the Independence Day celebrations last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that they were considering raising the age of marriage for women.

The action is aimed at improving the health and nutrition of women and children, population control and gender equality.

The Child Marriage Prohibition Act will first need to be amended as part of raising the age limit. Currently, the minimum age of marriage for men is 21 years.