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Punjab CM Rolls Out ‘Star Card’ for Top Students and Unveils Educational Reforms

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Punjab’s Education Sector Set for a Major Overhaul

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced groundbreaking education reforms, with the CM Education Card designed to support school students. Additionally, the CM Eminence/Star Card will reward students scoring over 80%, recognizing their academic achievements.

Impressive Results from Outsourced Schools

During a special education meeting, officials reported the success of outsourcing schools, leading to:

  • A 52% surge in student enrollment.
  • An 89% increase in teaching staff.
  • The Public School Reorganization Program, increasing student numbers from 242,000 to 368,000.
  • Tripled teacher salaries, and classroom furniture rising from 371,000 to 523,000.

Modernizing Education with New Initiatives

Punjab’s government will:

  • Open Schools of Eminence across all tehsils.
  • Establish a high-tech Matric Tech lab.
  • Introduce technical education from grade five.

Fast-Track School Upgrades and Student Welfare Programs

To improve school conditions, the CM has set a 90-day deadline for:

  • Providing clean drinking water.
  • School maintenance and new furniture.
  • Enrolling 2 million new students each year.

The school meal program, currently operational in Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and DG Khan, will be expanded to additional districts.

New Teacher Training Programs and English Education Reforms

The government is implementing:

  • A KPI-based teacher and education officer monitoring system.
  • Pilot English conversation classes in 338 schools in Lahore.
  • International English certification courses for government schools.
  • A partnership with the British Council to send five teachers to Scotland for training.

Expanding Punjab’s Education Infrastructure

Through the School Teacher Internship Program, 12,500 interns will be hired. Additional upgrades include:

  • 35 new classrooms, 459 school renovations, and 1,389 new water supply pumps.
  • Self-funded computer labs in schools.
  • 2 million saplings planted under a sustainability drive.

With these reforms, Punjab’s education landscape is set to see unprecedented progress.