Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has declared the contracting out of nearly 14,000 state schools as part of the Public Schools Reorganisation Programme (PSRP).

“During the initial phase, we are contracting out 5,800 schools,” CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated at the program’s launch. “We will personally oversee and manage the process,” she further added in a press release.

With a total of 50,000 schools in Punjab, the CM acknowledged the challenge of maintaining continuous supervision over each institution. She clarified that those in charge of the contracted out schools will now be members of the Punjab government’s team.

The Public Schools Restructuring Programme is projected to save Rs. 40 billion and generate job opportunities for 70,000 educated young people. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also unveiled plans to establish kindergarten schools in various districts. She handed out licenses for the program during the event.

She highlighted that the school outsourcing process was carried out entirely on merit. There may also be a provision for hiring visiting faculty to impart English language skills, while the curriculum and oversight will continue to be managed by the Punjab government. Furthermore, the program will facilitate the expansion of schools from five to eighth grades, with an emphasis on nurturing students’ abilities through theme-based initiatives.

Government schools will also foster sports talent, and transportation services will be made available for girls’ educational establishments. Chief Minister Maryam emphasized that the initiative is not a business endeavor but a “holy duty” to offer children the finest curriculum possible. She commended the intellect of government school students, observing that they secure top ranks despite scarce resources.

She also mentioned that if the contracted schools surpass their goals, they will be granted extra funding. Education, she expressed, is a primary concern for her, and the initiation of this scheme signifies a dream being realized. CM Maryam emphasized her proactive involvement, personally inspecting schools and assessing conditions to make well-informed choices.

Responding to the issues highlighted by detractors, she debunked the conspiracy theories about schools being surrendered to contractors. She emphasized that the outsourcing was carried out in conjunction with reputable school chains and through public-private cooperation. Upgrades in building conditions, hygiene, and amenities like labs have already been observed in numerous schools.

The Chief Minister also declared that zebra crossings will be established near schools to guarantee student safety, with personnel designated to assist children in crossing streets. Furthermore, a prohibition has been enforced on vehicles operating without fitness certificates or engaging in overloading in the vicinity of schools. She conceded that although the situation in Punjab’s schools is superior to other provinces, some schools continue to grapple with issues, such as having only two teachers for 200 students or 40 teachers for merely two students.