Chandigarh, September 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Government has intensified its campaign against child marriage, with timely intervention by authorities preventing five such marriages across the state, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said on Thursday.
Dr Baljit Kaur said the interventions reflected the state government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring that they grow up in a safe, secure and dignified environment.
“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 the government has adopted a proactive approach involving sustained awareness campaigns and timely intervention. So far, 172 awareness campaigns have been organised 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 the government follows a zero-tolerance policy regarding the safety and welfare of children. Coordination among district administrations, police, Child Welfare Committees, Child Marriage Prohibition Officers and other concerned departments has also been strengthened to ensure prompt action on complaints.
Dr Baljit Kaur appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspected child marriage through Child Helpline 1098 or to the nearest Child Marriage Prohibition Officer, saying timely reporting can help protect a child from an illegal marriage and secure a better 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.
She reiterated that the government would continue working with communities, educational institutions, civil society organisations and enforcement agencies to achieve the goal of a Child Marriage-Free Punjab.
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