Punjab announces the formation of a steering committee to eradicate child labour.

The creation of a steering group to end child labour throughout the province has been approved by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

A comprehensive provincial initiative to address the issue has been launched, according to a formal statement by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb will serve as the chair of the 15-member committee, and Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha, a former MNA, has been named as the co-chairman. Members will include provincial ministers of education, industries, social welfare, investment and commerce, and small industry development.

The announcement states that in addition to the Chairman of PITB and DIG Police, the committee also includes secretaries from the departments of Home, Labour and Human Resources, School Education, Industries, Social Welfare, Skills Development, and Entrepreneurship.

According to sources, the committee will map the entire province to determine which industries have a high rate of child labour. Industries, brick kilns, farms, fisheries, workshops, and the auto repair industry will all provide unique data. AI and GIS technologies will be used to create a central data bank at the province level.

The committee will identify high-risk areas and districts, create alternatives for minors involved in forced work, and suggest short-, medium-, and long-term elimination plans. Together with its recommendations, it will also create an implementation strategy.

The steering committee will create performance standards for organisations involved in child protection as well as further develop awareness campaigns for communities, educators, and parents.

The first province to implement such a thorough plan to end child labour is Punjab. According to officials, the project will boost the province’s standing internationally and aid in continuing social development initiatives.