‘87,000 kids of kiln workers enrolled in schools’

LAHORE

Minister for Schools Education Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan has said the Punjab government has paved the way for total elimination of child labour from brick-kiln industry through sustained reforms aiming at providing free educational facilities to children. It is heartening that as much as 87,000 children of brick-kiln workers have been enrolled in different government sponsored schools for getting free education espoused by the Punjab government.

He said this during his surprise visit to a school for brick-kiln workers’ children near Kasur bypass on Thursday. The representatives of schools education, labour and other line-departments were present. The minister put up different questions to the students and appreciated their hard work and keen interest in studies. He said the students are harbingers of social change who would excel in life through the educational opportunities provided free of cost by the Punjab government. He said besides free education, books, stationery items, uniform, shoes and monthly stipends were being provided as consolation. The government has ensured conducive atmosphere in the schools for positive personality development of the students. He said Rs 1,000 is given to a student every month while his parents get Rs 2,000 at the time of registration as encouragement. He termed the project unique and game-changer in South Asia and said a sustained monitoring system has also been designed to ensure the project is implemented according to the vision of the CM. The district vigilance committees would strictly monitor the educational activity of the students so that this educational process may not hamper at any stage.

During his visit, the minister visited Govt Elementary Teachers Training College, Kasur, besides holding a meeting with the parliamentarians at the office of DC to review the educational process in the district.