Punjab allocates Rs750 billion for education in 2026-27 budget

LAHORE: The Punjab government has earmarked Rs750 billion for the education sector in its 2026-27 budget, setting aside more than 15 per cent of the province’s total budget for schools, students and related services.

According to the budget details, education has received the biggest share of provincial resources for the coming fiscal year, reflecting the government’s stated emphasis on expanding access, improving standards and strengthening infrastructure across Punjab.

Of the total allocation, around Rs686 billion has been placed under non-development spending. This portion covers salaries, administrative expenses, upkeep of institutions and other recurring costs required to run Punjab’s public education system.

More than Rs63 billion has been allocated under the development budget. These funds are meant for infrastructure schemes, the upgrading of education facilities and reform-oriented initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes and widening access, especially in underserved areas.

Student-focused schemes included

Among the notable initiatives included in the budget is an expansion of the Chief Minister Punjab Laptop Scheme. The government has earmarked Rs27 billion for the distribution of over 100,000 laptops to students.

The scheme is intended to support digital learning, narrow the technology divide between urban and rural students and help equip learners with tools considered necessary for modern education and competitive academic settings.

In addition, the government has allocated Rs4 billion for the Honhar Programme, which is designed to identify high-performing students.

The budget measures place both operational funding and development spending at the centre of Punjab’s education plans for the next fiscal year, with allocations covering day-to-day institutional needs as well as student-focused and infrastructure-related initiatives.