Punjab Makes Free Education Mandatory for 10% of Students in Private Schools
The Punjab Education Department has taken a major step toward inclusive and equitable education by directing all private schools to offer free education to 10% of their enrolled students. This initiative aims to benefit children from low-income families, underprivileged backgrounds, and students with special needs.
Law Enforcement and Compliance
To ensure full implementation, the department is reactivating the Private Schools Ordinance 2014. Education officers across the province have been instructed to monitor and enforce compliance among private institutions.
Private schools are required to submit detailed admission records for students who will receive free education. The Ministry of Education is actively collecting this data, with a survey deadline of August 31, right after the summer vacation period.
A Step Toward Inclusive Education
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has made it clear that strict action will be taken against schools that fail to comply with the policy. This move is part of the broader mission to make quality education accessible to all children, regardless of their financial or physical challenges.
In a promising development, the minister also revealed that Punjab is planning to launch its first specialized autism schools, designed to cater to children with special educational needs. These institutions will focus on early intervention, therapy, and individualized learning support.
This initiative reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to building a more inclusive and compassionate education system—one where every child has a fair chance to learn, grow, and succeed.
