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The Punjab Assembly Standing Committee has directed all private schools across the province to immediately implement the legal requirement of providing free education to 10% of enrolled students. Schools have been given a 10-day deadline to comply, with authorities warning that failure to do so could result in strict legal action, including the cancellation of school licenses.
The directive was issued during a meeting of the committee, where members reviewed the implementation of Section 13 of the Punjab Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2014. The law requires every registered private school to reserve 10% of its seats for children from underprivileged and deserving families at no cost.
During the session, committee members expressed concern that many schools have not fully implemented the free education quota despite the law being in force. They emphasized that the policy is designed to ensure that children from low-income households have equal access to quality education.
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One committee member suggested that authorities should not rely solely on records submitted by schools. Instead, the School Education Department should directly identify eligible children and facilitate their admission into private schools. This approach, members said, would improve transparency and prevent any misuse of the quota.
The Secretary of the School Education Department informed the committee that the department has been instructed to collect detailed data from all private schools regarding the number of students admitted under the 10% free education quota. The collected information will help verify whether schools are complying with the law.
Committee officials also warned that schools failing to implement the mandatory quota within the given timeframe may face regulatory action, including the suspension or cancellation of their registration. Authorities stressed that the law is binding on all eligible private educational institutions operating in Punjab.
The move is expected to benefit thousands of children who are unable to afford private school fees while strengthening the government’s efforts to promote inclusive education across the province. Parents who believe they qualify for the scheme are advised to stay updated through their district education authorities for further instructions regarding admissions.
As the government begins monitoring compliance, private schools are expected to submit accurate records and fulfill their legal obligation to provide free education to deserving students, ensuring that educational opportunities are accessible to all regardless of financial background.