1,000 public schools set to switch to solar: Punjab minister

LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman Saturday said the Punjab government is rapidly advancing the historic project of shifting 1,000 public schools to solar energy, an initiative that will promote clean energy and ensure uninterrupted electricity in schools.

He expressed these views while addressing an academic competition event, ‘Brain of Lahore’, which was organised by an educational institution here on Saturday.

Highlighting the education-centred vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, he said that the government has placed education at the heart of its development agenda, adding that Punjab’s largest-ever school renovation programme is underway, upgrading thousands of classrooms to make them safer, brighter, and more conducive to learning.

Terming the 100 CM Schools of Lahore project a landmark step, he said that these modern, solar-powered institutions will provide equal, high-quality education to children from all backgrounds. He also underscored the government’s commitment to girls’ education, noting the launch of the 500 Girls Schools Upgradation Programme, which will expand access to high and college-level education for girls across Punjab. He added that the establishment of 100 Education Development Units (EDUs) will significantly strengthen monitoring, teacher performance, and quality of education across the province.

On this occasion, he announced the recruitment of 10,000 new teachers to address shortages that have persisted for years. He said that the enhanced use of digital tablets will make school monitoring more transparent and enable real-time reporting of educational performance.

The Minister also highlighted initiatives for sports promotion, financial support schemes, and incentives for top-performing students, stressing that these efforts reflect the government’s resolve to build a confident and capable young generation.

He praised ‘Brain of Lahore’ as a remarkable initiative that strengthens Lahore’s intellectual and educational environment. He said that the competition is not just a quiz event but a meaningful platform that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, analytical ability, and confidence among students.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025