Chandigarh, November 21 – Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur took swift action after receiving information about a potential child marriage in Rupnagar district. The minister was alerted through the Childline helpline about a 17-year-old minor boy from Aspur Kotan village whose marriage was being planned.
Immediately responding to the report, Dr. Baljit Kaur instructed department officials to investigate the matter thoroughly. The District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and District Multipurpose Officer (DMPO) team intervened promptly, stopping the wedding preparations.
The team engaged with various stakeholders, including panchayat members, the families of the boy and girl, and the marriage venue owner. Statements were recorded, and both parties were counseled. The family assured the team that the child would return to school the next day.
Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized the Punjab government’s commitment to child welfare, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. She appealed to citizens to immediately report any child marriage incidents to district authorities.
Highlighting the harmful nature of child marriage, Dr. Kaur stressed that childhood is a critical period for development. She urged parents to protect their children’s future by avoiding child marriages, describing the practice as a social curse.
The incident underscores the ongoing efforts to prevent child marriages and protect the rights of minors in the region.