Chandigarh – Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljeet Kaur said that the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working with determination to eradicate the serious social evil of child marriage. She said that providing every child with a safe childhood, quality education, and opportunities to fulfill their dreams is the government’s top priority. Dr. Baljeet Kaur said that as a result of the government’s effective intervention and coordination among various departments, a total of 137 child marriages have been successfully prevented during the year 2025 and January to July 2026.
Providing year-wise statistics, he stated that 64 child marriages were prevented during 2025, while 73 other child marriages were prevented from January to July 2026, securing the future of many children. He stated that these figures are a testament to the government’s proactive approach, effective law enforcement, and growing public awareness. The Cabinet Minister stated that to further strengthen the prevention of child marriage, the government has designated 2,076 Child Marriage Prevention Officers (CMPOs). These officers include all Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) and principals of government senior secondary schools in the state. These officers are actively working to spread awareness in rural and urban areas, identify suspected cases of child marriage, and ensure timely legal action.
She further stated that through a notification issued on February 10, 2025, the Punjab Government has established district-level Child Marriage Prevention Units in all 23 districts of the state. These units are ensuring immediate intervention in potential cases of child marriage, rescue and rehabilitation of affected children, and effective coordination between various departments. Dr. Baljeet Kaur stated that child marriage robs a child of their childhood, education, health, and a better future. Therefore, eradicating this evil is the collective responsibility of the entire society. She stated that the government is committed to eradicating this evil through strict enforcement of the law and social awareness.
Appealing to the people of the state for active participation in this campaign, Dr. Baljeet Kaur said that parents, teachers, Panchayati Raj institutions, religious leaders, social organizations, and youth should partner with the government in this campaign. She appealed that if any child marriage is reported anywhere, the concerned authorities should be immediately informed so that timely action can be taken to secure the future of any child. She reiterated that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann, will continue to work steadfastly to protect children’s rights, eradicate social evils, and build a safe, sensitive, and child-friendly Punjab.
