The Punjab government is poised to complete the second phase of its contentious initiative to privatize government schools. By next week, an additional 4,453 schools will transition to the private sector and NGOs. This move follows the first phase, where 5,863 schools were transferred to NGOs and private entities and have been managed by them since August 15.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy aimed at eventually privatizing 13,219 schools in Punjab. The third phase, scheduled for early September, will see another 2,903 schools privatized. Once these phases are completed, the number of government-controlled schools in Punjab will significantly decrease, leaving only 35,000 under direct administration.
Looking forward, the government plans to privatize another 15,000 schools by 2025.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken a strong stance in favor of these reforms, rejecting appeals from teachers’ organizations to halt the privatization. She argues that privatization will enhance the education system, improve school conditions, and ultimately elevate academic performance.
However, these moves have sparked vigorous opposition from teachers’ associations across the province. The Punjab Primary Elementary and Secondary Teachers Association and the Central Secretary of SES Teachers Association have condemned the government’s decision as “cruel,” alleging that it breaches the constitutional duty to provide free education up to matriculation under Section 25A.
These associations are concerned that privatization will lead to increased fees, making education unaffordable for many children from low-income families.
Rana Liaquat Ali, Secretary General of the Punjab Teachers Union, has also strongly criticized the government’s plans. He accused the ruling PML-N government of neglecting education and healthcare. Ali warned that the government’s long-term strategy could leave only 5,000 to 10,000 government schools operational, exacerbating the issue of out-of-school children in Punjab, which currently affects 27 million due to widespread poverty. He predicts that school privatization could double this number within the next two to three years, leading to what he describes as an impending social catastrophe.
Great step need to promote private sector. more govt teachers more funds needed.