Private schools across Punjab have been directed to provide free education to 10 percent of their enrolled students within the next 10 days. The instruction came from a Punjab Assembly standing committee, which warned schools to comply with the legal requirement without delay.
The committee reviewed the implementation of the law requiring private schools to reserve a fixed share of seats for deserving students. Members expressed concern over reports that many institutions had not fully enforced the policy.
Officials stressed that schools must follow the legal requirement and ensure eligible students receive free education.
Committee Calls for Better Verification Process
During the meeting, a committee member suggested improving the verification process. Instead of relying only on school records, the member proposed that authorities directly enroll deserving children in private schools.
According to the proposal, this approach would make it easier to confirm whether schools are meeting the required quota. It would also improve transparency in implementing the policy.
Committee members agreed that stronger monitoring would help ensure deserving students benefit from the initiative.
Schools Face Action for Non-Compliance
The committee chairman warned that private schools failing to implement the 10 percent free education quota within the deadline could face strict action. He stated that authorities may cancel the licenses of institutions that continue to ignore the legal requirement.
Meanwhile, the Secretary for School Education informed the committee that the department will collect data from all private schools regarding the free education quota.
The information will help officials assess compliance across the province and identify schools that fail to meet the requirement.
The committee emphasized that the policy aims to expand access to education for underprivileged children. It also urged private schools to cooperate with authorities and implement the quota within the given timeframe.
