Punjab Uses AI to Identify Out-of-School Children
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has implemented a new artificial intelligence (AI) system across the province aimed at detecting child labour and monitoring the presence of school-age children outside classrooms during official school hours. This initiative seeks to enhance child protection and promote regular school attendance.
The AI technology has been integrated with existing Safe City cameras, enabling it to operate continuously. Specifically, the system focuses on monitoring children between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm, identifying those who are not in school uniforms or are present outside school premises during class hours.
When such cases are detected, the system automatically triggers alerts that are forwarded to appropriate authorities for verification and subsequent action. This process helps in the timely identification of children who might be engaged in child labour or are skipping school.
A spokesperson from the PSCA highlighted that the deployment of this AI-powered monitoring tool is part of a broader effort to utilize modern technology in safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring a safer environment across Punjab. The authority intends to continue adopting innovative solutions to strengthen child protection frameworks in the region.
This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts in various Pakistani provinces to leverage technology for social welfare and law enforcement.
