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West Bengal Announces Crackdown on Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy

West Bengal Announces Crackdown on Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy
Bengal Announces Crackdown on Child Marriage, Teenage Pregnancy over Childbirths Among Under‑18 Girls · timesnownews.com

West Bengal’s government wants to reduce child marriage and teenage pregnancy.

The announcement followed figures about girls under 18 becoming mothers.

Among mothers aged 15 to 17 between January 1 and June 30 this year, 53 percent were from the Muslim community.

Officials said the enforcement will apply to everyone, regardless of religion.

The government plans to try to prevent child marriages before they happen.

It also plans to use criminal prosecution against the practice.

The announcement represents a tougher stance by the state government.

The goal is to curb child marriage and childbirth among under-18 girls.

Key facts

Location
West Bengal
Age group cited
Girls aged 15 to 17
Reporting period
January 1 to June 30 this year
Community share
53% of the girls who became mothers were from the Muslim community
Enforcement scope
The proposed enforcement will apply irrespective of religion
Planned measures
Preventive measures and criminal prosecution
Policy focus
Child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and childbirth among under-18 girls

Sources

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