Punjab Officials Successfully Foil Marriage of 16-Year-Old Girl in Faridkot

In Faridkot, Punjab, officials rescued a 16-year-old girl from an impending marriage. The intervention underscores the importance of enforcing child protection laws to ensure minors' rights and safety.

A 16-year-old girl in Punjab's Faridkot district was saved from an impending marriage by the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), as reported by officials. The intervention was conducted under the Juvenile Justice Care and Protection of Children Act, 2015. The girl, from Sangrahoor village, was presented to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for counselling and guidance.

Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur praised the swift action of officials and stakeholders. She emphasised the importance of enforcing child protection laws to uphold minors' rights. "Continuous efforts are being made to strengthen the system for awareness generation, prevention, and effective enforcement of laws," Kaur stated.

Child Marriage Prevention Efforts

The rescued minor was returned to her parents after they committed in writing to ensure her safety, education, and well-being. Regular monitoring will be conducted to protect her interests. Kaur reiterated Punjab's dedication to eradicating child marriage through awareness and law enforcement.

Kaur also urged public cooperation in making Punjab free from child marriages. She encouraged individuals with knowledge of such incidents to contact the Child Helpline at 1098, ensuring informants' identities remain confidential.

The minister highlighted that ongoing efforts aim to provide every child with a safe and promising future. This includes strengthening systems for awareness, prevention, and law enforcement regarding child marriage.

With inputs from PTI