The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday directed Secretary Education to submit a report about implementation on the legislation on free education to students up to age of 16 years. The petitioner contended 11 percent of education budget was being allocated to private institutes in the name of funds whereas 61,000 government schools are facing pathetic situation.
He said 46 percent of the government schools are without proper furniture, 66 percent have no playground, 30 percent without electricity, 44 percent do not have facility of clean drinking water and 60 percent of the schools are without security guards, while 16 percent are without four-walled.
But, he said, it is unfortunate that the Punjab government instead of improving the condition of government schools is wasting billions of rupees in the name of 'aid' to private schools. The LHC CJ remarked that provision of free education up to 16 years is a fundamental right of every citizen and the state is responsible to ensure it.