Punjab prevents 5 child marriages, conducts 172 awareness drives across state
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 3, 2026: The Punjab Government has prevented five child marriages through timely intervention and coordinated action by authorities as part of its intensified campaign against the social practice, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said on Thursday.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the interventions reflect the state government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring that every child gets a safe 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,” she said.
The minister said 172 awareness campaigns have been conducted across Punjab to educate parents, Panchayats, schools, social organisations and the public about the social and health consequences of child marriage and the legal provisions prohibiting the practice.
She said coordination among district administrations, police, Child Welfare Committees, Child Marriage Prohibition Officers and other departments has been strengthened to ensure that complaints are addressed promptly.
Dr. Baljit Kaur urged people to remain vigilant and report suspected child marriages immediately by calling Child Helpline 1098 or contacting the nearest Child Marriage Prohibition Officer. She said timely reporting can prevent an illegal marriage and help protect a child’s future.
The minister said 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 working at the grassroots level to prevent child marriages.
Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the government is committed to making Punjab a child marriage-free state and will continue working with communities, educational institutions, civil society organisations and enforcement agencies to protect children and uphold their rights.