Minister appeals for public support to eradicate the social evil of child marriage
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
The Punjab Government, under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains fully committed to making the state free from the social evil of child marriage and continues to take firm, effective steps in this direction. In one such instance, the timely intervention of Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur led to the prevention of a child marriage involving a 15-year-old girl in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.
Sharing details of the case, Dr. Baljit Kaur revealed that a few months ago, a minor girl made a distress call to the 112 emergency helpline from a beauty parlour, pleading for help to prevent her impending marriage. Acting swiftly, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Crimes Against Women and Children) immediately alerted the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU).
Following an inquiry, it was found that the girl’s parents, citing her lack of interest in studies and family circumstances, were attempting to marry her off at just 15 years of age. Social pressures and concerns over family honour had also influenced their decision.
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that a joint team comprising officials from the District Child Protection Unit, Child Development Project Officer, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, and Station House Officer reached the marriage venue without delay and successfully rescued the minor girl before the ceremony could take place. The groom’s family was also made aware of the legal implications and grave consequences of child marriage. In the presence of village representatives, including the Sarpanch, both families provided written consent to cancel the marriage.
Commending the prompt and coordinated response of the district team, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that this case stands as a clear demonstration of the Punjab Government’s zero-tolerance policy towards child protection violations. She reaffirmed that the Mann Government is steadfast in creating a safe and empowering environment for every girl child in the state.
The Minister further informed that the girl was presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which, considering the risk of repeat attempts, ordered her immediate placement in a Children’s Home in Jalandhar. She was later reunited with her family and, since she expressed no interest in continuing formal education, has been enrolled in vocational training to help secure her future.
Dr. Baljit Kaur earnestly appealed to social welfare organizations, village Sarpanches/Panches, and the general public to promptly report any instances of child marriage by calling the Child Helpline at 1098. She assured that the identity of the informant would be kept strictly confidential, and the government would take swift action to safeguard the rights and futures of vulnerable children.