Punjab Government Announces Conditional Stipends to Eradicate Child Labor

**Lahore (Qudrat Daily):**
The **Punjab government** has decided to provide **conditional monthly stipends** to parents as part of a major initiative to **eliminate child labor** in the province.

Under the plan, children under the age of 18 will be **withdrawn from labor**, and their parents will receive financial support on the condition that the children attend school or receive vocational training. Arrangements will also be made to provide **education and skill development** for the children.

Special **task committees** will be established to oversee the eradication of child labor, and a comprehensive and effective plan will be formulated. Recommendations have also been sought for amendments to existing **child labor laws** to make them stricter and more enforceable.

The committees have been assigned over **20 key tasks**, including **digital mapping and geo-tagging of child laborers** to ensure accurate identification and monitoring. Additionally, a **dedicated helpline** will be established, and **rehabilitation centers** will be set up for affected children.

Under the **socio-economic survey program**, eligible parents will receive monthly stipends, encouraging families to prioritize **education over labor**. Officials stated that these measures aim to **protect children’s rights, promote education, and achieve the complete eradication of child labor in Punjab**.