CHANDIGARH, 8th January 2026:
The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is making consistent, strong, and result-oriented efforts to completely eradicate the social evil of child marriage from the state. This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur, while highlighting the government’s child-centric and sensitive policy approach.
Sharing the details, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said that during the current financial year 2025–26, the Punjab Government has successfully intervened in 64 cases of child marriage, ensuring timely action to protect children and uphold their rights. “These interventions reflect the Mann Government’s firm resolve to act promptly and decisively wherever the rights and future of children are at risk,” she said.
Appealing to the public to actively participate in this effort, the Minister said, “Any instance of child marriage should be reported immediately without hesitation by contacting the nearest Child Marriage Prevention Officer or by calling the Child Helpline 1098, so that timely intervention can be ensured and children can be safeguarded.”
Minister Dr Baljit Kaur further informed that details of all officers appointed for child marriage prevention in Punjab have been uploaded on the Government of India’s National Child Marriage Free Portal, ensuring transparency and easy public access. “This enables citizens to reach out to the concerned authorities quickly and effectively,” she said.
Highlighting the administrative measures taken by the state, the Minister said that to ensure the holistic development of children and to completely eradicate child marriage, as many as 2,076 Child Marriage Prevention Officers have been appointed at district and block levels across Punjab. “These officers are actively performing their responsibilities and working at the grassroots to prevent this social evil,” she added.
She also noted that Child Development Project Officers and principals of government senior secondary schools in all districts under the Social Security Department have been designated as Child Marriage Prevention Officers. “This expanded network ensures vigilance at the local level and strengthens our ability to intervene at the earliest stage,” Dr Baljit Kaur said.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Minister said, “The Punjab Government remains fully proactive and committed to protecting the rights of children, securing their future, and making the state completely free from child marriage through strong, timely, and result-oriented measures.”
