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Health
West Bengal records 60,000 under‑age institutional deliveries in first half of 2026, CM says
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 08 Sep 2026, 10:38 AM
👁 24
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that 60,000 births to girls under 18 were registered in hospitals across West Bengal during the first six months of 2026, prompting a call for stricter enforcement against child marriage.
West Bengal's health department, citing data compiled by the state government, reported that 60,000 deliveries to girls under the age of 18 were recorded in medical institutions between January and June 2026. The figure, disclosed by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari during a press briefing, represents the first half‑year tally of under‑age births in the state.
The CM warned that the high number of child pregnancies underscores persistent child‑marriage practices and urged law‑enforcement agencies to act swiftly. He said that any family found facilitating a child marriage will face arrest, and that both state and central welfare schemes will be suspended for those families until compliance with legal age norms is demonstrated.
Health officials highlighted the risks associated with adolescent childbirth, including higher maternal and infant mortality rates. The government plans to intensify awareness campaigns, expand adolescent health services, and coordinate with the Ministry of Women and Child Development to curb early marriages and improve reproductive health outcomes.
The CM warned that the high number of child pregnancies underscores persistent child‑marriage practices and urged law‑enforcement agencies to act swiftly. He said that any family found facilitating a child marriage will face arrest, and that both state and central welfare schemes will be suspended for those families until compliance with legal age norms is demonstrated.
Health officials highlighted the risks associated with adolescent childbirth, including higher maternal and infant mortality rates. The government plans to intensify awareness campaigns, expand adolescent health services, and coordinate with the Ministry of Women and Child Development to curb early marriages and improve reproductive health outcomes.