Punjab Education Minister Announces Laptop Scheme for Private Institute Students. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has officially declared 2025 as a year of major education reforms, highlighting a series of wide-ranging initiatives aimed at improving access, quality, and governance across the province’s education system. One of the most notable announcements is the distribution of 10,000 laptops, which will now also include students from private educational institutions, expanding the scope of the government’s flagship laptop scheme.
Focus on Strengthening the Education Sector
While reviewing the performance of the Education Department, the minister stated that, similar to the previous year, 2025 is centered on strengthening the education sector at all levels. He revealed that the government successfully eliminated nearly 2 million ghost enrollments, a long-standing issue that affected transparency and resource allocation in public schools.
To address staffing challenges, the department carried out the rationalization of 26,000 teachers, helping to overcome teacher shortages and ensure a more balanced distribution of educators across schools.
Historic Syllabus and Examination Reforms
Rana Sikandar Hayat emphasized that the Punjab government has introduced historic syllabus reforms to modernize the curriculum and align it with contemporary learning needs. Alongside curriculum changes, examination reforms were also implemented, including the transition of examination boards to e-marking systems, aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and fairness in assessments.
Major Investment in Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education (ECE) was identified as a key priority area. According to the minister, the government established ECE rooms in 10,000 schools across Punjab. In addition, under the school nutrition program, daily nutrition is being provided to 1.1 million students, supporting both learning outcomes and student health.
School Upgrades and Teacher Accountability
As part of infrastructure and governance improvements, the Punjab government:
- Upgraded 268 schools to improve learning environments
- Resolved 37 harassment cases involving teachers, reinforcing accountability and student safety
- Expanded the laptop scheme to include private-sector students
These steps reflect the government’s focus on improving both physical facilities and institutional integrity.
Merit-Based Appointments in Colleges and Universities
The minister further announced that principals were appointed on merit in 450 colleges, ensuring stronger academic leadership. Additionally, the process of appointing vice chancellors in 29 public universities has been completed, marking a significant step toward improved governance in higher education institutions.
Key Education Reforms at a Glance
| Area of Reform | Key Achievements |
|---|---|
| Student Support | 10,000 laptops, including private students |
| Enrollment | 2 million ghost enrollments removed |
| Teachers | 26,000 teachers rationalized |
| Curriculum | Historic syllabus reforms introduced |
| Exams | Shift to e-marking systems |
| Early Education | ECE rooms in 10,000 schools |
| Nutrition | Daily meals for 1.1 million students |
| Governance | Merit-based appointments in colleges and universities |
FAQs
Who will receive laptops under the expanded scheme?
The laptop scheme now includes students from both public and private educational institutions, broadening access to digital learning tools.
What are ghost enrollments, and why were they removed?
Ghost enrollments refer to students who were falsely recorded in school records. Removing them improves data accuracy, transparency, and fair resource distribution.
What changes were made to the examination system?
Punjab shifted examination boards to e-marking systems, making the assessment process more transparent, efficient, and less prone to errors.
How is Early Childhood Education being improved?
The government established ECE rooms in 10,000 schools and launched a nutrition program benefiting 1.1 million young students.
Were leadership appointments made on merit?
Yes, principals were appointed on merit in 450 colleges, and vice chancellors were appointed in 29 universities to strengthen governance.
Conclusion
By declaring 2025 a year of major education reforms, the Punjab government has signaled a strong commitment to transforming the province’s education system. From eliminating ghost enrollments and reforming examinations to expanding laptop access and prioritizing Early Childhood Education, these initiatives aim to enhance access, quality, and governance. If implemented effectively, these reforms could lay a solid foundation for a more transparent, inclusive, and future-ready education system in Punjab.
