Punjab Approves Solar Power for 1,000 Schools – Big Education Reform Unveiled

The Punjab government has approved a landmark plan to shift 1,000 public schools to Solar Power, marking one of the biggest clean-energy transformations in Pakistan’s education sector. The announcement was made by Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman during the ‘Brain of Lahore’ academic competition held in Lahore on Saturday.

The minister stated that this solar project is part of the government’s vision to ensure uninterrupted electricity in schools, reduce energy costs, and promote environmentally responsible learning environments. He emphasized that reliable power has become essential for modern classrooms, especially as schools increasingly adopt digital learning tools, smart technologies, and improved infrastructure.

He highlighted that this initiative reflects the education-focused leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who has placed school improvement and accessibility at the center of Punjab’s development priorities.

Punjab’s Largest School Renovation Drive Underway

While addressing the audience, the minister shared that Punjab is currently executing its largest-ever school renovation programme. Thousands of classrooms across the province are being upgraded to make them safer, brighter, and more conducive to student learning. This includes improvements in building safety, lighting, ventilation, and teaching infrastructure.

He said these renovations aim to standardize learning environments and ensure that students in public schools receive facilities comparable to those in well-resourced institutions.

100 CM Schools of Lahore – A Model for Modern Education

Calling the “100 CM Schools of Lahore” project a milestone, Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman explained that these schools will serve as model institutions for Punjab. Designed with modern architecture, digital learning features, and solar power systems, these schools aim to offer high-quality education regardless of a student’s socio-economic background.

These model schools are expected to bridge the educational divide while promoting innovation, creativity, and digital literacy among students.

Strong Commitment to Girls’ Education

The minister also highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to expanding educational opportunities for girls across Punjab. Under the 500 Girls Schools Upgradation Programme, the government is upgrading middle and high schools into high and college-level institutions for girls.

This initiative will enable more girls to continue their education without traveling long distances, especially in rural and underserved areas. He said that empowering girls through education is central to the government’s long-term development agenda.

100 Education Development Units for Monitoring & Quality Improvement

Another major reform announced was the establishment of 100 Education Development Units (EDUs) across Punjab. These units will monitor school performance, ensure teacher attendance, and support classroom improvements.

With the increased use of digital tablets and real-time monitoring systems, the government aims to make school oversight more transparent, data-driven, and efficient. This digital transformation will help resolve administrative gaps and improve the overall delivery of education services.

10,000 New Teachers to Be Recruited

To address long-standing teacher shortages, the government will recruit 10,000 new teachers across Punjab. The minister acknowledged that the shortage of teachers has affected learning quality for years, especially in rural areas and subject-specialized positions.

The new recruitment drive is expected to strengthen the teaching workforce and improve student learning outcomes at all levels.

More Support for Students & Youth Development

Alongside educational reforms, the minister outlined various initiatives aimed at promoting youth development, sports, and merit-based incentives for students. The government plans to encourage students to excel academically and participate actively in co-curricular activities, helping foster confidence and leadership skills among young learners.

‘Brain of Lahore’ Competition Praised

The minister praised “Brain of Lahore” as an excellent platform for developing analytical and creative thinking in students. He said that such competitions help build a vibrant academic ecosystem and encourage students to think critically, solve problems, and engage in healthy competition.

He appreciated the organizers and encouraged similar events to be held across Punjab to nurture talent and intellectual growth.