Punjab Govt Denies Rs 10,000 Cap on Private School Fees

Punjab Govt Denies Rs 10,000 Cap on Private School Fees

The education sector in Pakistan’s Punjab province has long remained under public scrutiny, particularly due to the continuously rising fees charged by private schools. Over the years, parents have repeatedly raised concerns about the increasing cost of education, terming it an unbearable financial burden for middle- and lower-income families. The issue has frequently reached courts and regulatory authorities, where discussions around fee regulation and enforcement mechanisms have taken place.

In the past, parents and students have lodged numerous complaints against well-known private school chains such as Beaconhouse School System, Lahore Grammar School (LGS), and several other elite institutions. According to these complaints, monthly school fees range between Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000, excluding additional charges for admission, annual funds, examination fees, transportation, and extracurricular activities. For many households, these costs make quality education increasingly inaccessible.

Although laws and regulations exist to control unjustified fee hikes by private schools, effective implementation has remained a persistent challenge. Parents argue that despite clear rules, many institutions continue to increase fees annually under various pretexts, while regulatory bodies struggle to enforce compliance.

Viral Claim on Social Media

Recently, a news item began circulating rapidly on social media platforms claiming that the Punjab government had decided to cap the monthly fee of private schools at Rs 10,000. The claim further stated that this decision would apply to major private school networks, including Beaconhouse and LGS, and would come into effect from January 2026.

The viral posts suggested that the alleged move would provide massive relief to millions of parents struggling with educational expenses amid inflation and rising living costs. As expected, the news spread quickly, generating widespread discussion, hope, and confusion among parents, students, and school administrations across the province.

Official Response from Punjab Education Minister

However, the Punjab Minister for Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat, has categorically denied these claims. Addressing the matter, he clarified that the Punjab government has not made any decision to limit private school fees to Rs 10,000 per month.

The minister termed the circulating information as fake and misleading, stating that no such notification, policy decision, or summary has been issued by the School Education Department or the provincial cabinet.

“Social media is spreading false news to mislead the public. The Punjab government has not announced any cap on private school fees at Rs 10,000, nor is such a policy under consideration at this stage,” Rana Sikandar Hayat said.

Government’s Stance on Education Reforms

While dismissing the viral claim, the education minister emphasized that the provincial government remains committed to improving the education sector. He stated that reforms are underway to ensure transparency, quality education, and better regulatory oversight of private institutions.

However, he made it clear that fixing a uniform monthly fee limit for all private schools is not part of the current reform agenda. According to him, any future policy regarding fee regulation would be introduced through proper legal channels and officially communicated to the public.

Appeal to the Public

Rana Sikandar Hayat urged parents, students, and citizens to verify information from official government sources before believing or sharing news related to education policies. He warned that the spread of fake news creates unnecessary anxiety and confusion among families and educational institutions.

“This is not the first time fake news regarding education has gone viral in Punjab. In the past as well, such misinformation has caused unrest among parents and students,” he added.

A Recurring Issue in Punjab

The spread of false information about education policies has become a recurring issue in Punjab. In previous instances, unverified claims regarding examination schedules, syllabus changes, and fee reductions have sparked public reactions before being officially denied by authorities.

Education experts stress the need for stronger communication strategies by government departments to counter misinformation promptly and ensure that accurate information reaches the public.