The Punjab government has earmarked a substantial Rs148 billion under the development budget for the education sector in the fiscal year 2025–26. While presenting the provincial budget in the Punjab Assembly, Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman unveiled a series of strategic initiatives designed to elevate the educational landscape across the province.
The allocated funds encompass provisions for initiating new projects, expanding existing educational programs, and providing significant support for infrastructure development and student scholarships. A prominent feature of the education budget is the allocation of Rs15 billion for merit-based scholarships, specifically targeting high-achieving students. Additionally, the government has committed to continuing the Undergraduate Scholarship Programme with an allocation of Rs5.9 billion, which will enable thousands of deserving university students to pursue higher education. “Inclusion, accessibility, and excellence remain at the heart of our education policy,” the minister stated, emphasizing the crucial importance of investing in the youth to propel long-term provincial progress.
To address the increasing infrastructural demands within public schools, the budget includes Rs40 billion designated for the construction of additional classrooms across Punjab. This measure is anticipated to alleviate overcrowding and significantly enhance the learning environment in government schools, particularly in underserved rural areas. Furthermore, a substantial allocation of Rs35 billion has been made for the Education Delivery Programme, which is designed to improve learning outcomes, enhance teacher training, and optimize the overall provision of educational services throughout the province.
