Punjab government seeks staff data for 'early retirements'

The Punjab School Education Department has called for fresh data of employees in all elementary, middle and religious schools across Punjab, as part of a review for potential dismissals and early retirements.

According to sources, the request includes information on the number of working teachers, their heads of schools, vacant positions and the current student enrolment in elementary and mosque schools.

Additionally, the department is seeking data on the approved positions for assistant education officers in Punjab, including details on occupied and vacant posts.

Educational sources suggest that any vacant positions will be immediately abolished, and middle and mosque schools with low student enrolment or teacher shortages will also be closed.

Some teachers may be transferred to other schools.

The move is being seen as part of the broader plan for the privatisation of government schools.

Last year, the Punjab education department finalised the process of selling 500 public middle and high schools after the privatisation of 4,500 primary schools, irking the educators.

The department advertised the list of middle and high schools. About 4,500 primary schools have already been handed over to their owners after privatisation, while applications for the sale of another 7,500 primary schools were sought by November 25.