Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has voiced concerns over the lack of accurate data regarding out-of-school children, emphasizing the need for clarity on their actual whereabouts.
In an exclusive interview with SAMAA, he addressed the ongoing debate, stating that while many are claiming the number of children not attending school, no one provides concrete details on where these children are located.
The minister highlighted the provincial government's efforts to tackle the issue, stating that many out-of-school children have already been enrolled in schools. He shared that innovative measures are being implemented to accommodate working children, including establishing technology schools and introducing flexible school timings.
He further revealed that the Punjab Education Foundation is working to open 1,000 new schools, focusing on immediate solutions rather than constructing large buildings. Contracts awarded to improve educational infrastructure have also led to an increase in student returns, according to Hayat.
"Our priority is to ensure education reaches every child, regardless of their circumstances. Accurate counting and innovative approaches are the keys to achieving this goal," he added.
