Archive · 8 Sep 2026
West Bengal Announces Crackdown on Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy
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.
West Bengal announced tougher enforcement against child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
The move follows childbirths among girls under 18, including those aged 15 to 17.
Between January 1 and June 30 this year, 53% of mothers aged 15 to 17 were from the Muslim community.
Adhikari said the proposed enforcement would apply irrespective of religion.
The administration plans to combine preventive measures with criminal prosecution.
- Who
- The West Bengal state government, with Adhikari cited in the announcement.
- What
- A proposed crackdown on child marriage and teenage pregnancy involving preventive measures and criminal prosecution.
- When
- The announcement concerns figures from January 1 through June 30 this year.
- Where
- West Bengal, India.
- Why
- To curb child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and childbirth among girls under 18.
- 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