The Punjab government is set to advance its controversial school privatization initiative by transferring control of an additional 4,453 schools to the private sector and NGOs by next week. This step follows the first phase of the program, during which 5,863 schools were transitioned to private and non-governmental management starting August 15.
This privatization effort is part of a larger plan to eventually transfer 13,219 schools in Punjab to private entities. The upcoming third phase, slated 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 drop, leaving only 35,000 under direct administration. The government has announced plans to privatize an additional 15,000 schools by 2025.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has been a strong proponent of these reforms, dismissing appeals from teachers’ organizations to stop the privatization process. She argues that privatization will lead to improvements in the education system, better school conditions, and enhanced academic performance.
However, these moves have met with intense 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 decision, calling it “cruel” and a violation of the constitutional mandate under Section 25A to provide free education up to matriculation.
Critics argue that privatization will lead to increased school fees, making education less accessible for many children from low-income families. Rana Liaquat Ali, Secretary General of the Punjab Teachers Union, has criticized the government’s plans, suggesting that the ruling PML-N administration is neglecting critical sectors such as education and healthcare. Ali warns that the long-term effects of privatization could leave only 5,000 to 10,000 government schools operational, potentially doubling the current number of 27 million out-of-school children in Punjab due to widespread poverty, and leading to a significant social crisis.
