Punjab government spokesman Zaeem Qadri on Monday said that “The Punjab Prohibition of Child Labour at Brick Kilns Ordinance-2016” had been enforced to eliminate child labour at brick kilns.
Addressing a press conference at the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) here, he said that on violation, kiln owners and other persons responsible would have to face imprisonment, fine and closure of kiln.
He said that in case of violation of the ordinance, a six-month imprisonment, fine up to Rs 500,000 could be imposed and kiln could also be sealed for seven days.
Qadri said that there were about 690 registered kilns and 17,240 families were working at these kilns, adding that 23,642 children were doing labour at kilns and about 21,847 children were getting education while 1,795 children still have to be enrolled in schools.
He said children working at brick kilns would be enrolled in schools and they would be given monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 while stationary and uniform would also be provided to the children.
He further said that steering committee had been made to monitor bonded labour at kilns and Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif would supervise the committee.
The spokesman said that child labour would be eliminated from kilns at every cost and institutions concerned would have to work with commitment for this purpose and taking labour from the children less than the age of 14 years is an offence and could not be allowed.
“Enforcement of the ordinance for eliminating child labour from brick kilns is a very important step aimed at bringing the children of labourers working at brick kilns into educational mainstream,” he added.
He said about 85 kilns had been raided and some 40 kilns were sealed, adding that helpline had also been set up where complaint could be registered.
