KATHMANDU, Feb. 17 -- Stakeholders have emphasized keeping the legal age of marriage at 20 years, as decided by the government.

Currently, Nepali law prohibits marriage until the age of 20. National statistics indicate that 40 percent of marriages are still under this age because enforcement is weak. There have been recent discussions taking into account the lowering of the legal age of marriage to 18. Experts, however, opine that the existing law should be enforced strictly instead.

The authorities point out that postponing marriage until age 20 acts as a protector of education, health, and employment opportunities for young people. Murari Prasad Kharel, Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, stated that despite provisions ...