AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Lahore, At the swearing-in ceremony of the Lahore Education Reporters Association (LIRA), Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced that consultations are ongoing regarding the implementation of summer camps in schools, with a decision expected by next week.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, Minister Hayat emphasized the importance of continuing discussions on the matter and highlighted the necessity of enforcing free education provisions for children under the 10% quota in private schools. He also extended an invitation for a study tour to members of the Lahore Education Reporters, acknowledging their role as allies in advancing educational reforms. In his speech, Hayat clarified that government schools are not being privatized but are undergoing administrative changes to enhance their operation. He noted that a significant investment of 70 billion rupees is required to address the deficiencies in 13,500 schools, which due to financial constraints, are being considered for public-private partnerships.
The event also served as an occasion to affirm the government’s commitment to maintaining schools under state ownership, amidst reforms aimed at improving educational standards. The newly elected LIRA officials were congratulated by Minister Hayat, who expressed hope that they would continue to support the government in addressing educational challenges.