Privatising schools

Punjab's education privatization plan raises concerns over access, equity, and quality in public schooling.

The Education Department of Punjab has completed the process of privatising 500 middle and high schools in the public sector, with the sale set to be finalised by the end of November. And while 4,500 primary schools in the province have already been privatised, applications for the sale of another 7,500 primary schools have been sought by November 25.

The provincial government plans to privatise around 20,000 schools by April. The move, being presented as a solution to the longstanding issues facing public education, warrants serious scrutiny given the current state of education in Punjab and the potential implications for access, equity and quality.

Education in the province, like much of Pakistan, is plagued by systemic problems such as overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, shortage of qualified teachers, and a widening gap in educational outcomes between urban and rural areas. However, privatisation might not be the perfect solution.

A major concern is the accessibility of private schools. In Punjab, where millions of students already lack access to quality education, the shift to privatisation risks exacerbating existing inequalities. A significant portion of Punjab's population resides in rural areas, where poverty is widespread.

Privatisation would likely mean that only those who can afford the rising costs of private schooling would benefit, leaving the majority behind. Moreover, the assumption that privatisation will automatically improve the quality of education is overly optimistic.

Instead of privatisation, the government should focus on reforming the existing public education system. This includes investing in teacher training, improving infrastructure, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. Privatisation is a short-term solution, enabling the provincial government to shrug off one of its primary responsibilities.