Punjab Makes Free Education Mandatory for 10% of Private School Students

The Punjab Education Department has made it compulsory for all private schools to provide free education to at least 10 percent of their total enrolled students. This directive is specifically targeted at supporting children from low-income households, those in financial hardship, and students with special needs.

To ensure proper implementation of this policy, the department is reviving the Private Schools Ordinance 2014. Local education authorities have been tasked with closely monitoring compliance and reporting any violations.

In a parallel initiative, the Ministry of Education is in the process of compiling lists of students eligible for free education. Private schools have been directed to submit admission records of such students as part of this survey, which is scheduled to be finalized by August 31, following the conclusion of the summer vacation.

Punjab’s Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, stressed that all private educational institutions will be strictly held accountable for fulfilling this obligation. In addition to this move, he revealed that the province is preparing to launch its first dedicated autism schools, aimed at delivering specialized education and care to children with special needs.