Punjab earmarks Rs 59.5b for school, higher and special education

The Punjab government has allocated Rs 59.5 billion for the school, higher and special education sectors in the fiscal year 2026–27, according to budget documents released on Tuesday

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2026) The Punjab government has allocated Rs 59.5 billion for the school, higher and special education sectors in the fiscal year 2026–27, according to budget documents released on Tuesday.

For the School Education Department, a total of Rs 25.3 billion has been allocated for 26 ongoing and new development schemes. Of this amount, Rs 14.91 billion has been earmarked for 11 new schemes. Major allocations include Rs four billion for the Chief Minister's Punjab Schools Meal Programme, Rs 1.28 billion for the establishment of multipurpose STEM laboratories, and Rs 967.9 million for the establishment of the Maryam Nawaz Centre of Academic Leadership at two public schools in Lahore.

For Higher Education Department, Rs 30.5 billion for 40 ongoing and new development schemes. A sum of Rs 25.5 billion has been earmarked for five new schemes. Among the key initiatives, Rs 15.698 billion has been allocated for the Chief Minister Punjab Laptop Programme, while Rs 1.3 billion has been set aside for the Chief Minister's Initiative for the Establishment of IT Labs in Colleges (Phase-II). Another Rs 474 million has been allocated for the clearance of liabilities, court cases and unfunded schemes.

Under the Chief Minister's initiatives, Rs 7.8 billion has been allocated for the establishment of new colleges, campuses and sub-campuses of universities across Punjab.

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In addition, Rs 313 million has been earmarked under the Katcha Area Development Programme for the establishment of new colleges in riverine areas.

For the Special Education Department, Rs 3.7 billion has been allocated for 17 ongoing and new development schemes. Of this amount, Rs 2.07 billion has been earmarked for five new schemes.

Key projects include Rs 1.9 billion for an umbrella scheme to construct and establish satellite campuses of the Maryam Nawaz Autism School in each division of Punjab. Another Rs 100 million has been allocated for the addition, alteration, revamping, renovation and provision of missing facilities in existing special education institutions across the province.

The government has also earmarked Rs 59 million for the Chief Minister's Punjab Maryam Nawaz Khud-Mukhtar Programme, aimed at providing e-earn training and skill development opportunities through the strengthening of existing vocational training centres operated by the Special Education Department.

The allocations reflect the provincial government's focus on improving access to education, strengthening school and higher education infrastructure, promoting technology-based learning and expanding specialised educational services across Punjab.