LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced a landmark initiative to combat child labour by providing monthly stipends to parents of children below 18 years of age. The move aims to remove children from the workforce, enroll them in schools, and offer skill development opportunities to ensure their education and holistic growth.
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Under the programme, parents who agree to stop their children from working will receive conditional cash support. Once enrolled, the children will participate in educational and vocational training programmes designed to equip them with skills for a better future.
To implement the initiative effectively, the Punjab government will establish special task committees responsible for planning, monitoring, and executing the strategy. These committees have been assigned over 20 tasks, including digital mapping and geo-tagging of working children, as well as coordinating with schools and skill centres.
The government is also reviewing recommendations to amend existing child labour laws, ensuring stricter enforcement and modernized regulations that protect children from exploitation. A dedicated helpline and rehabilitation centres will support affected families and provide guidance on accessing the stipend programme.
Officials believe that the socio-economic survey linked to the stipend scheme will not only provide financial relief to families but also create long-term change by breaking the cycle of poverty and child labour. The Punjab government hopes that by combining financial support with educational and vocational opportunities, children will have a safer and more productive path ahead.
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This initiative is part of a broader national effort to tackle child labour, improve access to education, and strengthen legal frameworks to protect children from exploitation and hazardous work environments.