Punjab Allocates Rs750 Billion for Education in 2026-27 Budget

June 17, 2026

The Punjab government has announced an allocation of Rs750 billion for the education sector in its 2026-27 annual budget, covering schools, colleges, and universities across the province.

Officials stated that the education budget represents around 15% of the total provincial spending and is aimed at improving infrastructure, expanding digital learning, and increasing access to quality education for students.

Breakdown of Education Budget

According to budget documents:

• The School Education Department (SED) has been allocated approximately Rs613.96 billion, including funds for current and development spending.
• A major portion, around Rs570.52 billion, is dedicated to grants and subsidies for district education authorities and public schools.
• The Higher Education Department (HED) has received Rs83.48 billion for operational expenses and Rs11.15 billion for development projects.
• A significant share of higher education funding will go toward salaries and employee-related costs.

Overall, the sector includes around Rs63.3 billion for development projects and Rs686.8 billion for non-development expenditures.

Key Education Initiatives

Several major programs have been included in the budget:

• Rs10 billion for the Chief Minister’s Laptop Programme to distribute around 110,000 laptops to students
• Rs20 billion for the expanded Hunarmand Scholarship Programme, benefiting over 100,000 students
• Rs40 billion for Nawaz Sharif Centres of Excellence and STEM-based education initiatives
• Rs6.9 billion for establishing IT laboratories in 244 higher secondary schools and colleges
• Continued provision of milk under the School Meal Programme for more than 1.1 million students in selected districts
• Plans to establish autism-focused schools in every division of Punjab, with an allocation of Rs4.5 billion

Government’s View

Punjab Minister for Schools and Higher Education Rana Sikandar Hayat described the budget as a record investment in the education sector. He said it would help improve access to education, enhance learning quality, and support students through scholarships and modern facilities.

Concerns from Education Experts

While the government has highlighted major spending initiatives, education experts have raised concerns about long-term challenges in the sector.

They point to issues such as insufficient investment in classrooms, shortage of trained teachers, overcrowded public schools, and financial pressure on public universities.