Punjab Government Extends Free Laptop Scheme to Private School Students
Lahore:
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced that students enrolled in private educational institutions across Punjab will also benefit from the government’s free laptop scheme, with 10,000 laptops set to be distributed under the initiative.2025 Declared the “Year of Initiatives”
While outlining the education department’s roadmap, the minister declared 2025 as the “year of initiatives,” highlighting a series of wide-ranging reforms aimed at improving transparency, quality, and efficiency within the education sector.
Among the major achievements, he revealed that two million ghost enrollments had been removed from the system, while the rationalisation of 26,000 teachers was carried out to address staffing imbalances. He also pointed to significant syllabus and examination reforms, along with the introduction of e-marking to ensure fairness and transparency in assessments.
Focus on Early Childhood Education
Rana Sikandar Hayat said the government has prioritised Early Childhood Education (ECE) by establishing dedicated ECE rooms in 10,000 schools across the province. As part of these efforts, 1.1 million students have benefited from a nutrition programme aimed at supporting healthy learning environments.
School Upgrades and Governance Reforms
The minister further stated that 268 schools have been upgraded to improve infrastructure and learning facilities. He added that cases related to harassment in educational institutions were addressed, reinforcing a safer environment for students and staff.
In addition, merit-based appointments of school principals and university vice chancellors have been completed, which he described as a crucial step toward strengthening institutional governance.
Strengthening the Education System
According to Rana Sikandar Hayat, these reforms reflect the Punjab government’s commitment to inclusive development, improved access to technology, and long-term strengthening of the education system for students across both public and private sectors.
