The Punjab Teachers Union has strongly criticised the 10 percent enrolment targets given to government schools across the province. Union General Secretary Rana Liaquat Ali said on 19 October 2026 that a fixed increase is not realistic for every school, especially when many institutions are short of teachers, Class IV staff and basic facilities. He warned that pressure on heads and teachers could push some schools towards fake admissions instead of real growth.
Why Teachers Are Opposing the Enrolment Targets
According to the union, the School Education Department Punjab has set a 10 percent rise in student enrolment as a common goal for schools. Rana Liaquat Ali said this one-size-fits-all approach ignores ground realities. A school in a crowded city and a school in a small village cannot be judged with the same number.
He explained that school heads and teachers are being held responsible for admissions linked to students who move on after Grade 5 (primary), Grade 8 (middle) and Grade 10 (high school). If a school loses many students at these stages, reaching a 10 percent increase becomes almost impossible without new staff, rooms and resources.
Complaints of Pressure on School Heads and Teachers
The union leader also raised serious concerns about how the enrolment campaign is being run. He said:
- Heads and teachers are being called to offices after school hours.
- Some are made to wait outside offices for hours as a form of punishment.
- Teachers are being warned of dismissal if targets are not met.
- Such pressure encourages fictitious enrolments, where names are added on paper without real students.
He also pointed out a contradiction. Not long ago, authorities ordered schools to remove fake enrolments immediately. Now, he said, unrealistic targets may again push schools to inflate numbers, which could mislead senior officials about the true picture.
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Main Problems Schools Are Facing
The union listed several obstacles that make the enrolment targets hard to achieve and also hurt the quality of education:
| Problem | Effect on Schools |
|---|---|
| Teacher shortage | Overcrowded classes, weak teaching |
| Lack of Class IV staff | Cleanliness and security issues |
| Poor basic facilities | Parents prefer private schools |
| Shortage of funds | No repairs or new classrooms |
| Excessive paperwork | Less time for actual teaching |
| Non-teaching and exam duties | Teachers away from classrooms |
| Deployment to government offices | Fewer teachers in schools |
These issues are well known to teachers. Our recent report on the teacher shortage at an Attock girls school, where six teachers handle more than 450 students, shows how serious the situation is in some areas.
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What the Union Is Demanding
Rana Liaquat Ali made two clear demands. First, school-wise targets should be set for every institution in consultation with its head, keeping in view the available teachers, rooms and resources. Second, he urged the Punjab Chief Minister to order an independent third-party audit of schools rather than depending only on figures collected by the Education Department. He believes this would give the government a more accurate picture of enrolment, staff and facilities.
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What It Means for Teachers and STIs
For regular teachers and School Teaching Interns (STIs), the enrolment drive means extra work: door-to-door campaigns, data entry and follow-up with parents. Teachers should keep proper records of genuine admissions, avoid adding names without real students, and report any unfair pressure through proper channels. Accurate data protects both the teacher and the school if an audit is held later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What enrolment target has been set for Punjab schools?
According to the union, schools have been asked to increase enrolment by 10 percent.
Who raised the objection?
Rana Liaquat Ali, General Secretary of the Punjab Teachers Union.
What does the union want?
School-wise targets based on resources and an independent third-party audit of schools.
Why are fake enrolments a concern?
Pressure to meet numbers can lead to names being added without real students, which gives officials a false picture.
Conclusion
The debate over enrolment targets shows the gap between policy goals and classroom reality. Increasing enrolment is important for Punjab, but teachers say it must come with more staff, better buildings and fair, realistic planning. Read the original report in The Express Tribune.
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