Punjab Government Expands Laptop Scheme for Students in New Year

**Islamabad (Daily Qudrat):** Students in Punjab have received exciting news with the start of the new year, as **Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat** announced that the government has decided to expand the **Laptop Scheme**. Under this initiative, **10,000 laptops** will now also be distributed to students of private educational institutions.

Rana Sikandar Hayat stated that the Punjab government is continuing its focus on strengthening and modernizing the education system in 2025. Measures taken to eliminate fake admissions have already resulted in the cancellation of over **200,000 fraudulent enrollments**, while **26,000 teachers** have been reinstated to address staff shortages.

He further explained that historic reforms have been introduced in curriculum and examination systems, including the implementation of the **e-marking system** in examination boards to ensure transparency and merit. **Early Childhood Education (ECE)** has also been prioritized, with ECE rooms established in **10,000 government schools**, and over **1.1 million children** receiving daily nutritional support to enhance learning outcomes.

In addition, **268 schools have been upgraded**, and **37 cases of harassment against teachers** have been resolved. The minister emphasized that extending the Laptop Scheme to private sector students is a major step toward educational equality.

Furthermore, appointments of principals based on merit have been completed in **450 colleges**, while the process of appointing vice-chancellors has been finalized in **29 public universities** across the province.