Govt schools lead in matric results, claims minister

Highlights teacher shortage reduction, South Punjab programmes

LAHORE:

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat claimed significant improvements in the quality of education in government schools, leading to their outperformance of private schools in recent matriculation examinations.

This milestone, achieved within the first few months of his tenure, has prompted a re-evaluation of fee structures in the private sector.

The announcement was made during a press conference alongside Provincial Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari.

Minister Sikandar Hayat revealed that during the matriculation exams, 270 cheating centers were identified and eliminated, and a zero-tolerance policy was enforced for the intermediate exams.

He proudly noted that, for the first time in five years, government schools secured top positions in five out of nine educational boards, congratulating the people of Punjab for this success.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has allocated awards totalling 250 million rupees for the top-performing students.

Highlighting the success of the Danish School, Minister Hayat emphasised that the matriculation results are a testament to its excellence, countering its critics.

He reiterated the government's commitment to transforming "government schools into quality schools," instilling public confidence and attracting even private sector students to public schools.

The Education Minister mentioned that upon taking office, there was a shortage of 180,000 teachers. Through strategic utilisation of surplus teachers, this deficit has been reduced to 38,000, with plans to eliminate the shortage entirely within three months.

Additionally, 2,000 hidden posts in the School Information app have been uncovered. He assured that the e-transfer policy would be free from bribery or favoritism.

In South Punjab, a foundational learning program has been launched for 150,000 children, offering three-month technical courses to equip students with skills for self-sufficiency.

Responding to media queries, Hayat highlighted that permanent vice-chancellors are being appointed through a merit-based selection process by a competent search committee, ensuring no recommendations are accepted. The government is also auditing past irregularities within university syndicates.

The minister asserted that private schools must comply with the new policies established for them.