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Saved Before the Vows: How the timely intervention of Minister foiled child marriage in Punjab
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 4, 2025: In a powerful stand against the age-old social evil of child marriage, Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur has issued a heartfelt appeal to the public, urging citizens to actively report and help prevent such illegal practices.
This comes after the Minister personally intervened to stop the wedding of a 15-year-old girl in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district, saving her from a life-altering injustice.
The case came to light when the minor girl made a distress call to the 112 helpline from a local beauty parlour, pleading for immediate help to escape her forced marriage.
Acting swiftly, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Crimes Against Women and Children) alerted the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU).
An inquiry revealed that the girl’s parents were arranging the marriage due to family pressure, citing her disinterest in studies and social expectations. Their decision, influenced by concerns over family honor, nearly derailed the girl’s future.
Government Teams Act Swiftly
A joint team of DCPU officials, the Child Development Project Officer, SDM, and local police rushed to the venue and stopped the ceremony in time.
Both families were counselled on the legal consequences of child marriage, and in the presence of local village leaders, signed written statements cancelling the marriage.
Dr. Kaur praised the quick and coordinated effort, calling it a testament to the Mann government's zero-tolerance policy toward violations of child rights.
Safety First: Child Rehabilitated
The rescued girl was presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which ordered her temporary placement in a Children’s Home in Jalandhar to protect her from further risk.
After counseling and safety evaluations, she was reunited with her family and enrolled in vocational training, opening the door to a brighter and independent future.
Minister’s Appeal to Citizens
Dr. Baljit Kaur urged social welfare groups, sarpanches, and the general public to report any suspected cases of child marriage by dialing the Child Helpline 1098. She assured that whistleblowers’ identities would be kept confidential, and that the government would act swiftly to protect vulnerable children.
“This is not just a government issue—this is a societal fight. Every girl deserves a childhood, an education, and a future free from fear,” Dr. Kaur stated.
With such vigilant action and public support, the Punjab Government aims to make child marriage a thing of the past, creating a safer and more empowered future for every child in the state.