In a landmark move aimed at making education more inclusive, the Punjab Education Department has issued a mandatory directive for all private schools to offer free education to 10 percent of their enrolled students. This initiative targets low-income families, underprivileged children, and students with special needs.
To ensure effective implementation, the government is reactivating the Private Schools Ordinance 2014, and has directed local education authorities to monitor and enforce compliance across all districts.
According to Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, private schools will be held fully accountable for following the rule. “This is a non-negotiable step toward equitable education access. All institutions must comply, or they will face disciplinary measures,” he said in a press briefing.
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The Ministry of Education has also launched a survey to identify eligible students, requiring private schools to submit detailed admission data by August 31, 2025, following the summer break.
In a parallel development, Minister Hayat also revealed plans to establish Punjab’s first autism-focused schools, which will cater exclusively to children with special educational needs, further reinforcing the province’s commitment to inclusive education.
This move has been widely appreciated by civil society and education advocates, who view it as a progressive step towards bridging the education gap and promoting equal opportunities for all children in the province.
