Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to protecting children's rights, the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has intensified its campaign to eliminate the social evil of child marriage. As a result of timely intervention and coordinated action by the authorities, five child marriages have been successfully prevented, protecting the future and well-being of the children involved.
Disclosing this, Punjab's Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, said the successful interventions reflect the State Government's resolve to ensure that every child enjoys a safe, secure and dignified childhood.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to study, grow and realise his or her dreams. Child marriage deprives children of these basic rights, and the Punjab Government will not allow this illegal practice to jeopardise their future," said Dr. Baljit Kaur.
The Cabinet Minister said the State Government has adopted a proactive approach to preventing child marriages through sustained awareness and timely intervention. As part of this initiative, 172 awareness campaigns have been organised across Punjab to educate parents, Panchayats, schools, social organisations and the general public about the harmful social and health consequences of child marriage, as well as the legal provisions relating to its prohibition.
She further said the Punjab Government follows a zero-tolerance policy in matters concerning the safety and welfare of children. Coordination among the district administration, police, Child Welfare Committees, Child Marriage Prohibition Officers and other concerned departments has been further strengthened to ensure every complaint is acted upon promptly, effectively and in accordance with the law.
Emphasising that preventing child marriage is a shared responsibility, Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspected child marriage immediately by calling Child Helpline 1098 or contacting the nearest Child Marriage Prohibition Officer. Timely reporting, she said, can save a child from an illegal marriage and secure a brighter future.
The Minister informed that 2,076 officers have been designated as Child Marriage Prohibition Officers across Punjab. These include Principals of Government Senior Secondary Schools and Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), who are playing a crucial role in preventing child marriages at the grassroots level.
Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the Punjab Government remains firmly committed to ensuring every child in the state grows up in a safe, nurturing and rights-based environment. She said the Government will continue working closely with communities, educational institutions, civil society organisations and enforcement agencies to realise the vision of a Child Marriage-Free Punjab.
