Punjab Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, said that the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working with firm determination to eliminate the social evil of child marriage from the state. She said that ensuring a safe childhood, quality education and opportunities to realise dreams for every child remains one of the foremost priorities of the government.
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that through effective government intervention and close coordination among various departments, a total of 137 child marriages were successfully prevented during 2025 and January-July 2026.
Giving year-wise details, the Cabinet Minister said that 64 child marriages were prevented during 2025, while 73 more child marriages were stopped during January-July 2026, thereby safeguarding the future of numerous children. She said that these figures reflect the government’s proactive approach, effective enforcement of law and increasing public awareness against this social menace.
The Cabinet Minister said that to further strengthen prevention of child marriages, the Punjab Government has appointed 2,076 Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs), including all Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) and Principals of Government Senior Secondary Schools across the state. These officers are actively working at village and urban levels to create awareness, identify suspected cases and ensure timely legal action.
She further informed that through a notification issued on February 10, 2025, the Punjab Government has constituted District-level Child Marriage Prohibition Units in all 23 districts of the state. These units are ensuring prompt intervention in suspected cases, rescue and rehabilitation of affected children, besides effective coordination among various departments.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that child marriage deprives children of their childhood, education, health and a better future, and eliminating this social evil is a collective responsibility of the entire society. She added that the government is adopting a two-pronged approach by strictly enforcing the law along with creating social awareness to eradicate this practice.
Appealing to the people of Punjab, Dr. Baljit Kaur urged parents, teachers, Panchayati Raj Institutions, religious leaders, social organisations and youth to become active partners in this campaign. She appealed that any information regarding a possible child marriage should immediately be reported to the concerned authorities so that timely action can be taken to protect the future of children.
Reiterating the commitment of the Punjab Government, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state government will continue to work with dedication towards protecting children’s rights, eliminating social evils and creating a safe, sensitive and child-friendly Punjab.
