The Punjab government has decided to hand over public schools in the province to the private sector under a new management model.

According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Education Foundation, the decision has been taken to outsource 2,735 government schools from various districts to private individuals or organizations for better management and performance.

The authority has invited applications from interested private sector participants who want to operate these schools. Officials said the initiative aims to improve educational standards, strengthen school administration and ensure better learning outcomes for students.

Interested individuals and organizations from the private sector can submit their applications by March 31 to obtain the opportunity to manage these schools. The selection process will be carried out according to official guidelines and eligibility criteria.

Also Read: F-16 fighter jet crashes in South Korea

The move comes at a time when millions of children remain out of school across Pakistan. Authorities believe that collaboration with private partners may help improve access to quality education and reduce the number of out-of-school children.

However, the decision has also sparked debate among education stakeholders regarding public sector control and accountability. Supporters argue it will improve efficiency, while critics demand strong monitoring to ensure transparency.

Officials said further details about school allocation and operational rules will be announced soon.