Punjab Abolishes 1,207 Vacant School Posts Under Rightsizing Policy
Punjab has abolished Punjab school posts by removing 1,207 vacant non-teaching positions in government schools across Lahore. The decision follows the provincial government’s rightsizing policy, which aims to reduce unnecessary public spending and improve administrative efficiency. In addition, the move forms part of a province-wide plan to eliminate 30,391 vacant positions in the School Education Department. While officials expect the policy to save public funds, education experts have raised concerns about its impact on school operations.
Rightsizing Policy Eliminates Vacant Positions
According to an official notification, the abolished positions include several non-teaching roles that had remained vacant for a long period. These positions include baildar, chowkidar, naib qasid, gardener, lab assistant, lab in-charge, lab attendant, junior clerk, senior clerk, stenographer, driver, sweeper, assistant, accountant, computer operator, librarian, and assistant librarian. The list also covers assistant director of physical education, auditor, superintendent, deputy superintendent, and other administrative posts.
The Punjab government says the initiative will reduce the financial burden on the provincial budget. Furthermore, officials believe removing long-vacant positions will help streamline the education department and improve resource management. They argue that rightsizing allows departments to focus on essential staffing needs while reducing unnecessary expenditure. Therefore, the government considers the policy an important step toward strengthening financial discipline in public institutions.
Education Experts Express Concern
Despite the government’s explanation, education experts have questioned the decision. They believe non-teaching employees play an important role in keeping schools running efficiently. As a result, the removal of these positions could increase the workload of existing staff and slow administrative work.
Experts also warn that schools may struggle to manage laboratories, libraries, office records, maintenance, and daily operations without sufficient support staff. They have urged the government to carefully evaluate the operational needs of schools before implementing further reductions. The Punjab school posts reform may improve financial management, but its long-term success will depend on maintaining efficient school administration while ensuring quality educational services across the province.
