THE Punjab government’s campaign to eliminate child labour from all formal and informal sectors, including the textile and other industries, is a commendable and significant step towards ensuring the well-being and future prospects of the state’s children. But it should not be a one-time effort or for the purpose of satisfying the European countries to maintain the GSP Plus state. Rather we should combat it for our own sake and a better future of our children. For this periodic assessments and adjustments to policies and programs are necessary to ensure progress and continued success.
Child labour is a deeply entrenched issue that affects the physical, mental and emotional development of children, depriving them of their right to a proper education and childhood free from exploitation. To address child labour on a permanent basis, the federal and provincial governments should ensure enforcement of existing laws and regulations. Strict penalties for employers who engage in child labour, along with a robust monitoring system, are essential. The provincial government’s decision to start a landline complaint number allowing the general public report cases of child labour as well as establishment of special child labour complain cells at the district and divisional level are steps in the right direction. Simultaneously, public awareness campaigns should be prioritized to educate parents and employers about the harms of child labour and the benefits of education. Social support programs and financial assistance for impoverished families can alleviate economic pressures that lead to child labour. The education stipend being given to the children of deserving families under Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) needs to be further widened and expanded given the fact that around twenty seven million children are out of school and through support programs they can be inducted into the schools. The focus should also be on initiatives aimed at skill development and vocational training of the youth. Collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations and international bodies is critical for an effective response. Sharing best practices and resources can lead to a coordinated approach. A dedicated commitment to this cause will not only improve the lives of our children but also pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for the country.
