Punjab Saves Childhoods by Preventing 15 Child Marriages in April: Dr. Baljit Kaur
CHANDIGARH: Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government's sustained efforts to eliminate the social evil of child marriage are yielding encouraging results. Through timely interventions across the state, 15 child marriages were prevented during April 2026, safeguarding the childhood, education and future of several children.
Sharing this information, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that child marriage is not only a legal offence but also a serious violation of children's rights and a threat to their future. She emphasized that every child marriage prevented represents a childhood protected, an education preserved and a future secured.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that a child's rightful place is in a classroom, not in a marriage ceremony. She reiterated that the Punjab Government remains fully committed to providing every child with a safe childhood, quality education and opportunities for a brighter future.
The Minister informed that, as part of efforts to prevent child marriage and raise public awareness, more than 3,000 awareness activities were conducted across Punjab during April. These programmes were organized in schools, villages, Anganwadi Centres and communities to educate parents, adolescents and the general public about the harmful consequences of child marriage and the importance of protecting children's rights.
She further stated that District Child Protection Units, Child Welfare Committees, local administration and other concerned departments are working in close coordination to ensure the safety and well-being of children. The Minister added that any suspected case of child marriage, child abuse, child labour or any other child-related emergency can be reported through Child Helpline 1098, enabling authorities to undertake immediate intervention and necessary action. Timely responses to such reports help safeguard children's rights and welfare.
Dr. Baljit Kaur appealed to citizens, Panchayati Raj Institutions, teachers, religious leaders and community representatives to actively support the campaign against child marriage and promptly report any suspected cases so that timely intervention can protect children from exploitation and social harm.
She added that through sustained awareness, community participation and effective enforcement of child protection laws, Punjab is steadily moving towards the complete eradication of child marriage and the creation of a safe, dignified and opportunity-rich environment for every child.
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