Minister Says Swift Action by District Child Protection Unit and Child Welfare Committee Ensured Minor’s Safety, Education, and Future
Chandigarh, August 13:
Acting promptly on a complaint received through the Child Helpline, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and other stakeholders successfully prevented the proposed child marriage of a 16-year-old girl at Village Sangrahoor (Sadiq), District Faridkot.
Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, commended the swift action taken by officials and stakeholders, stressing that strict enforcement of child protection laws is essential to safeguard the rights of minors.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the intervention was carried out under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The rescued minor was produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which provided counselling and issued necessary directions.
The child was handed over to her parents after they provided a written undertaking to ensure her safety, education, and overall well-being. Regular follow-up and monitoring will be undertaken to safeguard the best interests of the child.
Reiterating the unwavering commitment of the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to making the state child marriage-free, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that continuous efforts are being made to strengthen the system for awareness generation, prevention, and effective enforcement of laws, so that every child can enjoy a safe and bright childhood.
The Minister also appealed to the public to extend full cooperation to the government in making Punjab free from child marriage. She urged that if anyone has information about a child marriage taking place in their vicinity, they should immediately inform the Child Helpline at 1098, assuring that the identity of the informant will be kept strictly confidential.
