Anti-child labour drive intensified
PHOTO: APP
Authorities concerned have intensified efforts in Rawalpindi to eliminate child labour in the district.
According to officials, the labour department has started registering cases against those involved in violating related laws.
They said in this regard, they are contacting with the Education Department and other institutions to enroll victims of child labour in schools.
The task given by Punjab Secretary Labour Faisal Fareed, and Director General, Rashid Kamalur Rehman, is being executed by a team led by Director Samiullah Khan in Rawalpindi.
It should be noted that employment of children less than 15 years of age is prohibited and the teams of the Labour Department have started strict legal action against those who violate this law.
Director Samiullah Khan while talking to reporters said it is a serious crime to coerce young children of tender age into work. In this week, 25 FIRs have been registered in various police stations of Rawalpindi against those who were found involved in child labour and the accused were also handed over to the police.
Samiullah Khan further said that efforts are being made to send victims of child labour to school for education.
He has met Chief Executive Officer Education, Mohammad Hussain Khan Baloch, DEO Literacy and Non-Formal Education, Fauzia Noreen Jahan and they have assured him that children removed from child labour will be enrolled in educational institutions.
Meanwhile, the director of labour met the representatives of business organizations across the city for support in the campaign against child labour.
They have been requested to fully cooperate in this campaign. The director said that he is determined to eliminate child labour.
Business organizations and citizens should support the labor department to eradicate child labour.
He has warned all shopkeepers, factory owners and brick kiln owners to ensure full implementation of laws against child labour.
Otherwise strict action will be taken against them as per law.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 15th, 2023.