Lahore: Approval has been granted for the construction of 5,000 new classrooms and the establishment of modern laboratories in Punjab’s PSRP schools as part of efforts to improve the educational environment for students. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting where these developments were discussed, aiming to enhance learning capacity across the province.

According to Chief Minister of Punjab, the meeting also focused on establishing revolving funds for school construction and repair. A proposal was considered to launch a mobile bus library project to encourage reading habits among students. Chief Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of ensuring uniform compliance in government schools and expressed a commitment to elevate public schools in Punjab to the standards of good private institutions.

A report on the school meal program in three districts of South Punjab was presented, revealing the distribution of over 13.2 million milk packs in 3,527 schools. The program has led to more than 38,000 new student enrollments. Enrollment in schools participating in the Public School Reorganization Program increased by 34%, with over 121,000 new students across 5,675 schools. Teacher attendance has risen by 164% following school reorganizations.

Additionally, seven training sessions for Phase One teachers under the PSRP have been completed, and smart class technology, including solar-powered smart boards, will be utilized for teaching in remote villages. The meeting highlighted that the number of out-of-school children is highest in suburban areas, with 95% of parents expressing a desire to educate their children. Chief Minister Sharif praised Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and his team for their successful implementation of the school meal program and other educational initiatives.