The Punjab government has formally approved new rules aimed at preventing child labour at brick kilns, 10 years after legislation was introduced to tackle the practice.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the government has approved the Punjab Child Labour Brick Kiln Rules 2026, which prohibit children under the age of 14 from working at brick kilns.
The new rules also set out a formal procedure for sealing a kiln where child labour laws are violated. Under the rules, brick kiln owners will be required to sign written employment agreements with workers and maintain proper registers containing details of all employees.
Limits will also be placed on advance payments made to workers. Kiln owners must keep complete records of deductions from workers' wages and maintain a separate register for advance payments.
District labour committees will be responsible for monitoring child labour at brick kilns, while the powers and duties of labour inspectors have also been clearly defined.
The rules include a procedure for appealing against legal action. Divisional commissioners have been appointed as appellate authorities for cases involving child labour.
The draft rules were published in the Punjab Gazette on June 11, 2026. A period of 15 days was given to affected parties to submit objections and suggestions.
Officials said no objections or suggestions were received during the given period. The rules were subsequently approved following a review by the Law Department and recommendations from the Labour Department.
Reporter: Ali Ramay