Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has initiated the CM Star Card, aimed at revolutionizing the education system in the province. These efforts include the introduction of the CM Education Card and the CM Eminence/Star Card for high-achieving students, alongside significant improvements in school infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and student enrollment.
Punjab Launches CM Star Card
CM Education Card and Star Card
- The CM Education Card will streamline school education across Punjab.
- Students scoring above 80% will be awarded the CM Eminence/Star Card to recognize their academic excellence.
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Outsourcing Schools Yields Remarkable Results
- A 52% increase in student enrollment and an 89% rise in the number of teachers have been reported after outsourcing schools.
- Under the Public School Reorganization Program, student numbers surged from 242,000 to 368,000, and teachers increased from 8,037 to 15,114.
- Teacher salaries have tripled, and classroom facilities like desks and chairs have risen from 371,000 to 523,000 units.
Major Education Reforms to Transform Schools
Modern Schools of Eminence
- High-quality Schools of Eminence will be established in every tehsil of Punjab.
- A state-of-the-art Matriculation Tech lab will be introduced, with technical education starting from grade five.
Infrastructure and Resource Improvements
- The Textbook Board saved one billion rupees, with plans to provide drinking water, furniture, and school maintenance within 90 days.
- Road safety around schools will be enhanced with strict zebra crossing enforcement.
- Textbooks were distributed at the start of the academic session in March for the first time.
School Meal Program
- A school meal program will be launched in districts like Bhakkar and Layyah to address nutritional needs.
- The program has already shown success in Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur, improving attendance and enrollment.
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Teacher Development and Recruitment
- A performance monitoring system based on KPIs will be implemented for education officers and teachers.
- Under the School Teacher Internship Program, 12,500 interns will be recruited across Punjab.
- Five government school teachers will participate in a study tour of Scotland with British Council support.
Early Childhood Education Expansion
- The Nawaz Sharif Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education will expand its capacity from 250 to 1,200 students.
- The CM praised Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat for enrolling his son in an Early Childhood Education Centre as a model example.
Matric Tech Schools and Computer Labs
- 235,000 students have enrolled in 2,000 Matric Tech schools offering subjects like agriculture, fashion design, health sciences, and ICT.
- New computer labs have been established through community efforts.
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Green Initiative and Future Plans
- Under the “One Plant, One Teacher’s Name” initiative, two million saplings have been planted.
- Plans include building 30,000 classrooms, 600 elementary schools, and 400 high schools over the next five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CM Star Card is an award for students scoring above 80% in their exams, recognizing their academic excellence.
Outsourcing has led to a 52% increase in student enrollment and an 89% rise in the number of teachers, along with improved infrastructure and tripled teacher salaries.
Schools of Eminence are high-quality educational institutions being established in every tehsil of Punjab to provide top-tier education.
The program provides meals to students in districts like Bhakkar and Layyah to improve nutrition, attendance, and enrollment.
12,500 interns will be recruited across Punjab under the School Teacher Internship Program, with applications already being accepted.
Matric Tech schools offer subjects like agriculture, fashion design, health sciences, and ICT.
This initiative involves planting two million saplings and naming them after teachers to promote environmental sustainability.
Zebra crossings are being strictly implemented to ensure student safety.
Over the next five years, the government plans to build 30,000 classrooms, 600 elementary schools, and 400 high schools.
