Punjab government prevented 58 child marriages in 15 months, strengthening child protection and awareness efforts.
Chandigarh: In a determined push against the social evil of child marriage, the Punjab government has successfully prevented 58 attempts over the past 15 months, according to data from the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development.
Of these, 42 child marriages were stopped between January and December 2023, and another 16 were prevented between January and March 2024, averaging more than three incidents per month. Officials note that the pace of reporting has risen sharply in recent months, with over five interventions per month in the first quarter of 2024 alone.
Interestingly, 55 of the 58 cases involved local Punjabi families, while only three involved migrant families settled in the state. The overwhelming majority of victims were minor girls, many forced into marriages with men significantly older than them. Only one case involved a minor boy. Legal proceedings have been initiated under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, against those responsible in several cases.
A senior official from the department stated that many families justified the marriages citing economic hardship, pressure from relatives, or fears about the girl’s safety and family honour.
“These reasons reflect deep-rooted patriarchy and misplaced social anxieties. But no justification can override a child’s legal and human rights,” the official said.
Government’s prompt response prevents marriage of 15-year-old
In a specific incident in March 2024, a 15-year-old girl from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district was rescued just hours before her wedding, thanks to the state’s quick response system. The girl, distressed and afraid, called the 112 emergency helpline from a beauty parlour, pleading with authorities to stop her marriage.
According to Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur, the alert was received by the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Crimes Against Women and Children), who promptly informed the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU).
Following a brief inquiry, it was discovered that the girl’s parents were pushing for the wedding due to her disinterest in studies and pressure from extended family. A joint team comprising the CDPO, SDM, SHO, and DCPU officers rushed to the venue and successfully intervened. Both the girl’s and the groom’s families were made aware of the legal consequences. In the presence of the village sarpanch and local representatives, both parties signed an agreement cancelling the marriage. The girl was later produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which ordered her placement in a Children’s Home in Jalandhar, citing risk of a repeat attempt. She was later reunited with her family and enrolled in vocational training, since she expressed no interest in resuming formal schooling.
“This is a textbook case of how coordination between departments and the community can save a child’s future,” Dr Kaur said.
“The Mann government remains committed to ensuring every girl child in Punjab is protected, educated, and empowered.”
Childline and district mechanism
The state has a 24×7 Childline Helpline (1098) through which citizens can confidentially report suspected cases of child marriage, abuse, or exploitation. Reports can also be made to principals of government senior secondary schools, who are instructed to stay vigilant if a child is suddenly withdrawn from classes.
