Punjab privatises over 6,000 government schools

Punjab completes privatisation of 6,213 government schools

The Punjab government has finalised the privatisation of 6,213 government schools, including 350 in Rawalpindi.

This move, which will see these schools handed over to NGOs, the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF), and various purchasing groups, marks a significant shift in the region’s public education system.

The privatisation, set to officially take effect this week, follows ongoing protests and strikes by teachers’ organizations.

In addition to the current handover, the second phase of the privatization process is underway, with 7,137 more schools scheduled to be transitioned to private management by August 15. The scrutiny process for these schools is currently in progress.

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Moreover, teachers from the privatised schools have been given the option to transfer to other government institutions. The new management will recruit teachers and headmasters, with salaries set at Rs50,000 for administrators and principals, and Rs30,000 to Rs40,000 for teachers.

Despite the official notifications and recruitment processes already in motion, there is strong opposition from teachers’ organisations.

Furthermore, Abdul Rauf Kayani, head of the Punjab Primary, Elementary, and Secondary Teachers Association, criticised the government for allegedly violating constitutional obligations to provide free education. Kayani warned of potential protests, highlighting concerns about the potential loss of valuable land and commercial benefits.