The Punjab government had evolved a comprehensive strategy for the development, protection and rehabilitation of children, Adviser to the Chief Minister Begum Zakiya Shahnawaz said on Wednesday. Addressing a high-level meeting, held under the aegis of the Social Welfare Department and Unicef, she said that the provincial Social Welfare Department had set up institutions for deserving and hapless children.
She said that steps are being taken for the welfare of children with the co-operation of Unicef and other welfare organisations. She said that the government was trying to control the increasing population despite its limited resources and tackling problems arising because of it.
She disclosed that a large number of children, who were below 15 years of age, were forced to earn their livelihood, facing various social problems. Begum Zakiya Shahnawaz said that the issue child marriage was also an important social problem. She said that a policy for protection and welfare of the children was being formulated in consultation with institutions concerned for resolving problems such as kidnapping. Under this policy, she said, the government would launch a public awareness campaign, informing teachers of children's rights.