The third phase of the Punjab government’s school privatization initiative is set to commence after Eid ul Fitr, focusing on public schools with 100 or fewer students.
As part of this initiative, these institutions will be transferred to private owners in an effort to streamline the education sector and improve management efficiency. The move aims to enhance the quality of education while addressing challenges faced by underenrolled public schools.
The Ministry of Education has directed District Education Officers and Heads of District Education Authorities across all 43 districts to compile lists of schools eligible for privatization under the third phase of the initiative.
Many of these schools are located in rural villages, while some are in urban areas, particularly low-enrollment primary schools. Officials argue that the move is aimed at reducing the financial burden on the government by transferring underutilized schools to private management.
However, the decision is expected to spark debate, as concerns grow over its impact on students and access to education in affected areas. Critics fear that privatization could make education less accessible for low-income families, particularly in remote regions where public schools serve as the only learning institutions available.