Archive · 8 Sep 2026
West Bengal Reports Nearly 60,000 Underage Deliveries in 2026
West Bengal recorded nearly 60,000 hospital deliveries involving girls below the legal age during the first half of 2026.
The figures cover January through June.
Murshidabad had the most reported cases, followed by South 24 Parganas.
Some pregnancies involved girls younger than 15.
These numbers are based on deliveries recorded at health facilities.
They do not show exactly how many child marriages happened across the whole state.
The government says it will investigate possible underage marriages and pregnancies.
Officials plan to check homes and verify people’s ages.
People who arrange child marriages may face legal action.
West Bengal recorded nearly 60,000 institutional deliveries involving underage girls between January 1 and June 30, 2026.
Murshidabad reported the highest number, with 12,847 cases, followed by South 24 Parganas with 4,178.
The district data included 253 pregnancies involving girls under 15 in Murshidabad, the highest reported figure.
The figures are institutional-delivery records and do not directly measure the overall prevalence of child marriage or teenage pregnancy.
The state government announced house-to-house checks, age verification and possible legal action against those involved in child marriage.
- Who
- Underage girls, their families and husbands, the West Bengal government, and people involved in arranging child marriages.
- What
- Nearly 60,000 institutional deliveries involving underage girls were reported, prompting a state crackdown on child marriage and underage pregnancies.
- When
- The deliveries were recorded from January 1 through June 30, 2026; the figures were reported on September 8, 2026.
- Where
- West Bengal, with the highest reported number in Murshidabad, followed by South 24 Parganas and Purba Bardhaman.
- Why
- The figures renewed concern about child marriage, adolescent pregnancy and pregnancies involving girls under 15.
- Statewide cases
- Nearly 60,000 institutional deliveries involving underage girls in the first half of 2026.
- Top district
- Murshidabad reported 12,847 cases.
- Second-highest district
- South 24 Parganas reported 4,178 cases.
- Other reported district
- Purba Bardhaman recorded 3,777 cases.
- Under-15 cases
- Murshidabad recorded 253 pregnancies involving girls under 15.
- Planned government action
- House-to-house drives, health-record checks and age-document verification.
- Potential laws
- Officials cited the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and the POCSO Act.