Punjab is preparing new rules aimed at completely eliminating child labour at brick kilns across the province.
The provincial government has decided to implement the Punjab Prohibition of Child Labour at Brick Kilns Rules 2026.
The Labour Department has already sent the draft rules to the Punjab Cabinet for approval.
The new rules will take effect immediately after the Punjab Cabinet approves them. Meanwhile, authorities are preparing a monitoring system to strengthen enforcement.
New Rules Target Child Labour at Brick Kilns
The proposed rules aim to prevent children from working at brick kilns.
Under the draft, brick kiln owners will have to ensure compliance with restrictions on employing children.
The rules will also establish procedures for maintaining labour records. These records will include information about workers and their children.
Authorities will also introduce procedures for verifying children’s ages. The process will help officials compile records and identify cases of child labour.
These measures are intended to make monitoring more systematic. They will also help authorities identify children who may be working at brick kilns.
Labour Inspectors to Monitor Brick Kilns
Labour inspectors will play a central role under the proposed rules. They will be responsible for inspecting brick kilns and taking action when children are found there.
Inspectors will also receive clear responsibilities for investigating complaints related to child labour.
The draft will further clarify the process for taking legal action against violations.
Therefore, the proposed system aims to create clearer responsibilities for officials. It also seeks to strengthen enforcement against child labour at brick kilns.
Administration and Labour Department to Get Stronger Role
The proposed rules also seek to increase the role of the administration and Labour Department. Authorities will be expected to play a more effective role in efforts to eliminate child labour.
The draft focuses on prevention as well as enforcement. Consequently, officials will have responsibilities covering monitoring, inspections, complaints and legal action.
The approach is intended to strengthen coordination between relevant authorities.
At the same time, the rules will establish procedures for maintaining and verifying information about workers and their children.
Awareness Measures Also Planned
The proposed rules will also include awareness measures concerning child labour. These initiatives will aim to make children aware of the harms associated with child labour.
The government plans to combine awareness efforts with monitoring and enforcement measures.
As a result, the proposed framework will address child labour through several mechanisms. These include record verification, age checks, inspections, complaint investigations and legal action.
Cabinet Approval Awaits
The Punjab Labour Department has submitted the draft rules to the Punjab Cabinet. The rules will be implemented immediately after cabinet approval.
Once approved, the framework will provide procedures for monitoring brick kilns and addressing child labour violations.
The proposed Punjab Prohibition of Child Labour at Brick Kilns Rules 2026 therefore represent a broader effort to strengthen enforcement.
The government’s focus remains on preventing children from working at brick kilns. At the same time, the proposed measures aim to give officials clearer responsibilities for identifying and addressing violations.
