LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has authorized the establishment of a steering committee aimed at eradicating child labour across the province. A formal notification has been issued by the chief minister, signifying the launch of an extensive provincial program to address this critical issue.
The committee, comprising 15 members, will be led by Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, with former MNA Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha serving as the co-chairman. Members include provincial ministers overseeing School Education, Investment and Commerce, Industries, Social Welfare, and Small Industries Development.
As outlined in the notification, secretaries from various departments such as Home, Labour and Human Resource, School Education, Industries, Social Welfare, Skills Development and Entrepreneurship, along with the Chairman of PITB and DIG Police, will also contribute to the committee’s work.
Sources indicate that the committee’s primary task will involve province-wide mapping to identify areas where child labour is widespread. Data collection will target key sectors including industries, brick kilns, agriculture, fisheries, workshops, and auto-repair businesses. A centralized data bank utilizing AI and GIS technologies will be established to support this effort.
The committee will prioritize identifying high-risk districts and sectors, devising alternatives for children involved in forced labour, and developing strategies for immediate, mid-term, and long-term action plans for elimination. An implementation framework will accompany these recommendations.
Additionally, the committee will create awareness initiatives targeting parents, teachers, and local communities while setting performance benchmarks for institutions dedicated to child protection.
Punjab stands as the first province to introduce such a comprehensive strategy to combat child labour. Officials are optimistic that this initiative will enhance the province’s international standing and contribute positively to ongoing social development efforts.
