Child labour law violators to be jailed, says CM

Education package to change lives of kiln children;praises ministers for elimination of the practice

LAHORE

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said child labour at brick kilns will not be tolerated and law in this regard will be implemented strictly.

He said not only kiln would be sealed but owner would also be sent to jail in case of violation of law for the elimination of child labour. He said all-out resources would be provided for the education of children working at brick kilns. He said educational package of the Punjab government would change the lives of children working at brick kilns.

According to a handout, the CM expressed these views while addressing a meeting at he Civil Secretariat through video link on Saturday. 

The meeting reviewed the measures taken for the elimination of child labour from brick kilns. The chief minister expressed satisfaction over the implementation of law regarding the elimination of child labour and lauded the performance of Provincial Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Raja Ashfaq Sarwar, Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal, Inspector General Police and concerned secretaries. He directed that all concerned institutions should continue their work in an effective manner for the elimination of child labour and no leniency should be shown in this regard. He said child labour at brick kilns was tantamount to cruelty and its complete elimination was a mission. 

Shahbaz Sharif gave approval to the stipend, free uniform, stationery and textbooks to the children working at brick kilns.

He said monthly stipend of Rs.1000 would be given to the children on the start of academic session during the current year whereas free uniform, stationery, textbooks and shoes would also be provided. In addition, Rs.2000 will also be given to the parents of these children, he added.