Punjab Government Strengthens Women’s Health Security with ₹28 Crore Free Sanitary Pad Initiative: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Chandigarh, July 16: As part of the ongoing initiative by the Punjab Government to combat child marriages, two such incidents were successfully stopped recently in the Gurdaspur district.
Punjab’s Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, stated that prompt and collaborative efforts by the district administration, police force, and District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) were instrumental. The Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), local Child Welfare Committees, and Child Helpline teams also played crucial roles. Their actions resulted in the prevention of two child marriages in the villages of Sahane Chak (Block Kalanaur) and Gandhian Paniar (Block Gurdaspur).
Punjab Acts Tough to End Child Marriages
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, it is a punishable offence to marry a girl below the age of 18 or a boy below the age of 21.“When officials received information about the planned weddings, they intervened immediately. They counselled both families in detail about the legal implications and explained the harmful effects of child marriage on children’s health, education, and future.”
The Cabinet Minister further stated that the Punjab Government is making sustained efforts. These efforts are under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. They aim to make the state free from child marriages. “She added that the government is conducting consistent awareness campaigns to eradicate such incidents from the root.” With public cooperation, Punjab will become a progressive state. It will ensure a safe and promising future for its children.
“The families assured officials they would cooperate and postponed the weddings until the children reach the legal age. Officials also informed the villagers and families about the Child Helpline number 1098 to report such incidents in the future.”
Dr. Baljit Kaur urged the public to remain vigilant. She encouraged everyone to report any information about child marriages immediately. They should contact the Child Helpline 1098 or reach out to the nearest police station.“She also assured that they will keep the informant’s identity strictly confidential.”
Q&A: Punjab’s Efforts to Prevent
Q1: What recent action did the Punjab Government ?
A1: The Punjab Government recently prevented two child marriages in Gurdaspur district. “The district administration, police, Child Protection Unit, and other local bodies quickly and jointly achieved this.”
Q2: Who shared this information?
A2: Dr. Baljit Kaur, Punjab’s Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, shared the details of these successful interventions.
Q3: Where were the marriages stopped?
A3: The child marriages were stopped in the villages of Sahane Chak (Block Kalanaur) and Gandhian Paniar (Block Gurdaspur).
Q4: Which law makes child marriage illegal in India?
A4: The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 prohibits marrying a girl below 18 years. It also prohibits marrying a boy below 21 years. It makes this act a punishable offense.
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