Punjab has approved major education reforms, including free Google-certified IT courses for students. The initiative aims to improve digital skills and expand access to modern education opportunities across the province. The development is significant as it targets large-scale youth training in emerging technologies.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired a high-level meeting in Lahore where key education decisions were finalized. The government partnered with Google to offer certification courses in advanced IT fields. Moreover, the program will train more than 100,000 students in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and business intelligence.
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Officials said the courses will last between three and six months and include certifications worth up to $1,000. Additionally, IT labs will be established in 166 government colleges to modernize learning infrastructure. The reforms aim to align education with global industry standards.
The government also expanded the Honhaar Scholarship Programme to support nearly 63,000 students. Performance-based evaluation systems will be introduced for teachers, principals, and universities. Furthermore, merit-based inclusion policies will be applied in future student support schemes.
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Authorities said electric buses will be provided to improve student transport facilities across Punjab. They added that scholarships and laptop schemes will continue in phases for wider coverage. However, officials stressed that performance monitoring will be key to ensuring long-term educational improvements.