Punjab Education Debate Leads to New University and School Upgrade Promises
The Punjab Education Debate dominated proceedings in the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday. Lawmakers from both the opposition and treasury benches highlighted serious problems in schools and colleges across their constituencies. They pointed to poor infrastructure, limited facilities, and a shortage of higher education institutions. In response, Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced several development projects and pledged to resolve long-standing education issues.
Lawmakers Highlight Education Challenges
During the question hour, opposition MPA Sardar Muhammad Ali questioned the impact of recent education reforms. He said residents in his constituency still lacked access to a university. He also expressed concern about rising education costs and fewer teaching days.
However, Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat defended the government’s performance. He announced plans to establish two universities in Ali’s district. In addition, he revealed the expansion of the Nawaz Sharif Schools of Excellence programme. The minister said government schools had improved and were attracting students who previously attended private institutions.
Opposition MPA Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan raised concerns about teacher funding and the increasing number of private tuition academies. Meanwhile, treasury member Rahila Khadim Hussain highlighted the poor condition of Government Graduate College for Women in Baghbanpura. As a result, the minister promised to complete repair work at the college within seven months. He also acknowledged that insufficient maintenance funding had contributed to deteriorating conditions in many institutions.
Government Announces New Initiatives
The discussion also focused on higher education opportunities in Rajanpur. PPP lawmakers Shazia Abid and Ali Haider Gilani voiced concerns about the district’s educational needs. They also opposed any merger involving Mir Chakar Khan University.
In response, the minister said eight districts still lacked universities. Therefore, the government plans to establish 37 university sub-campuses across Punjab, including two in Rajanpur. Furthermore, he announced an increase in student subsidies for Punjab Education Foundation schools to Rs2,200 per child. According to him, the increase could help raise teachers’ salaries to between Rs35,000 and Rs40,000.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan later criticized the absence of ministers and parliamentary secretaries. He stressed that lawmakers deserved responses to public concerns before adjourning the session until Wednesday.
