The Punjab government has proposed a Rs110 billion development budget for education in the fiscal year 2025–26, aiming to address missing facilities and ensure the upgradation of all 38,000 public schools across the province.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the development allocation will be used to build 50,000 new classrooms, fill the gaps in furniture and classroom availability, and improve infrastructure such as boundary walls and sanitation facilities.
The ambitious plan, includes upgrading 72 government schools to the standard of “Schools of Eminence”, providing them with modern facilities and improved learning environments under a new model framework.
Additionally, scholarships will be awarded to students of public schools to promote inclusive education. The development initiatives will be implemented with the approval and support of the School Management Councils.
Authorities have committed to ensuring that all basic facilities in schools are completed by December 31, 2025, without fail.
It is worth noting that on June 14, 2024, the Punjab government had increased the education budget for the 2024–25 fiscal year by 13 per cent, bringing the total allocation to Rs669.74 billion. That included Rs 65.50 billion for development and Rs 604.24 billion for current expenditures.
In that budget, Rs42.50 billion was earmarked specifically for school renovation and the provision of missing facilities, including the establishment of IT labs and afternoon school initiatives.
To further improve educational quality, the Punjab government launched the Public Schools Reorganisation Programme (PSRP) under the Punjab Education Foundation, leveraging public-private partnerships to increase enrolment, recruit teachers, and engage entrepreneurs and ed-tech firms.
Reporter: Junaid Riaz