Punjab Launches Fourth Phase to Transfer More Government Schools

The Punjab School Education Department will transfer 6,460 state schools, including 600 high schools, to private operators in its fourth outsourcing phase.

NationPulse Desk

Oct 29, 2026 · 6:27 PM 1 min read

Punjab Launches Fourth Phase to Transfer More Government Schools

Key takeaways

Punjab School Education Department began phase four of its outsourcing program, targeting 6,460 schools.
The phase includes 5,860 primary and middle schools and adds 600 high schools for the first time.
Outsourcing high schools is motivated by concerns over poor infrastructure and declining enrollment.
13,600 schools were already outsourced in the first three phases.
The total number of government-run schools in Punjab will fall from around 38,000 to roughly 31,500 after phase four.

The Punjab School Education Department has started the fourth stage of its school outsourcing scheme, aiming to hand over another 6,460 government schools across the province.

Reports indicate the new phase will involve 5,860 primary and middle schools, and for the first time, 600 high schools are slated for inclusion.

The move to outsource high schools arises amid worries about inadequate infrastructure and falling student numbers.

To date, the provincial government has outsourced 13,600 schools in the first three phases.

Completing the fourth phase should cut the total of government-run schools in Punjab from roughly 38,000 to about 31,500.

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Why it matters

The shift will affect students, teachers and communities in the roughly 31,500 schools that will remain under government control, while 6,460 schools transition to private management.

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