CM Maryam Unveils Bold Education Overhaul: 6,000 STEM Labs, School Meals & First-Ever Govt Transport System for Students
LAHORE: In a sweeping push to revamp public education, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review major reforms underway across the province’s school system — including outsourcing initiatives, a new school meal programme, and plans for government-run student transportation.
At the heart of the reform strategy is a strong push for digital learning, teacher recognition, and rural outreach, with the CM setting ambitious targets for improving education infrastructure and access.
6,000 STEM Labs Coming to Punjab
In a major announcement, CM Maryam instructed the creation of 6,000 STEM labs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in public schools across Punjab — a bold step toward bringing high-tech, hands-on learning to the government education sector.
Punjab to Launch Its First Government School Transport Network
For the first time in the province’s history, a government-operated school van and bus service will be introduced. The Chief Minister directed officials to develop a comprehensive plan to implement the initiative province-wide.
Recognition Programs to Boost Performance
Two new initiatives — “School of the Month” and “Teacher of the Month” awards — were announced to recognize exceptional achievements in classroom management, discipline, and innovation in learning.
Montessori On Wheels & Early Childhood Classrooms
A new project titled “On-Wheel Montessori School” was also greenlit to bring early childhood education directly to underserved communities. So far, 10,000 Early Childhood Education classrooms have already been established.
Midday Meal Programme Expands to 7 Districts
CM Maryam was briefed on the launch of a midday meal programme, initially self-funded in Faisalabad, and now expanding to D.G. Khan, Layyah, Lodhran, Bhakkar, Mianwali, and Bahawalnagar. Students will receive milk, energy bars, and biscuits to combat hunger and malnutrition during school hours.
School Outsourcing Model Sees Surge in Enrollment, Jobs
Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat reported that the school outsourcing programme has boosted enrolment by 99% and teacher recruitment by 114%, with over 60,000 educated youth gaining employment through the initiative.
Digital Learning, English Fluency, and Toilets for Girls’ Schools
- A Google-based digital education program is under way for teachers and students.
- An English language pilot aims to bring 300,000 students to IELTS Level-4 proficiency in just six months.
- Over 400 toilet blocks are being built in girls’ schools to improve hygiene and safety.
Tech Schools, Scholarships and the Nawaz Sharif Center Expansion
The Punjab Education Endowment Fund’s (PEEF) Education Tech Schools will be expanded into rural areas to help bridge the digital divide. Meanwhile, the Nawaz Sharif Center of Excellence will scale up from 240 to 1,500 students.
“Govt Schools Will Surpass Private Ones,” Says CM Maryam
CM Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her vision of making government schools outperform private institutions across Punjab, pledging continued investments in teacher training, school infrastructure, and the rationalization of staff to ensure balanced workloads.
“We are not just fixing schools — we are reimagining them,” she stated. “Punjab’s public education system will become a national model.”
