Punjab Education Department Seeks 350% Increase in Annual Development Budget

The Punjab Education Department has proposed a Rs. 90 billion development budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year to improve facilities in 43,000 public schools across the province. This is a major increase compared to the Rs. 20 billion allocated annually over the past five years. The new proposal, submitted to the provincial finance ministry, excludes teacher and staff salaries. According to media reports, around 40% of schools lack enough classrooms, while 37% have no boundary walls or electricity in rural areas. Science and computer labs are missing in 65% of rural and 27% of urban schools. Nearly half of all schools are without clean drinking water, toilets, or fans. There’s also a severe shortage of furniture, sanitation staff, and security guards. Many schools lack playgrounds, halls, and auditoriums. In rural areas, 45% of schools don’t have proper classrooms; in urban areas, the figure is 20%. Funds have also been requested for a new computerised attendance system and to cover utility bills. Officials believe this budget could help eliminate all major facility gaps. Cost savings are expected as 13,000 schools are being handed over to the private sector this year.