RAWALPINDI: The district administration on Wednesday enforced the Punjab Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2017 in the district and said all private schools should ensure 10pc of the students in their schools are poor children.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Umer Jehangir announced this during a meeting called to review the performance of the District Education Authority.

“A total of 6,500 private schools will enrol poor children and give them free education. We have started a right to education movement in the district and all children will be accommodated in government or private schools,” he said.

Larger schools in Pindi district to pay for as many students’ education in other institutions

He directed private schools to provide details of the students who were being given free education at their schools and also of those who paid half the fee in the new academic session.

He said it was necessary for private schools to set aside 10pc of their admissions for poor students. Larger education institutions which cannot cater to more students can pay towards the education of as many students in other institutions.

The DC also directed the District Education Authority to make a list of the private schools and categorise them according to their capacity and facilities.

“After this, the government will issue a standard operating procedure for these schools to monitor education quality and facilities provided to students,” he said.

DC Jehangir said work has started in government-run schools in the district for improving the quality of education and facilities.

Government schools have been asked to enrol the children in neighbouring areas and give them free education, uniforms and books. He said brick kiln workers will be especially facilitated so their children are enrolled in government schools.

He said all children have the right to free education and urged philanthropists to help poor children get a higher education.

“The government does have some scholarships for bright students but there is still a need for help from citizens,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2018