Chandigarh, November 21
Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur received information about a child marriage being arranged for a minor boy by his family in Rupnagar. Taking action promptly, the Minister directed department officials to investigate the matter and take necessary action.
The Cabinet Minister revealed that a complaint was received through Childline about a 17-year-old boy from Aaspur Kotla village in Rupnagar district being married off, violating the Child Marriage Prohibition Act. Acting swiftly on the Minister’s instructions, the District Child Protection Unit, Rupnagar, in coordination with the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer, intervened immediately and successfully stopped the child marriage.
She said that the DCPU and DMPO team intervened in Aaspur Kotan village, involving the panchayat members, the families of the bride and groom, and the palace owner, to stop the wedding preparations. Statements from both parties were recorded on the spot. The team counseled the boy and girl and the families assured the team that the child would resume school from the tomorrow.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized the Punjab Government’s commitment under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure the welfare of children. She appealed to citizens to immediately report any incidents of child marriage to district authorities. She also urged parents to understand that child marriage is a curse for society. She stated that childhood is a critical period for a child’s development and advised parents not to arrange child marriages.