There is good news for government school heads who struggle every month to pay electricity and gas bills. The School Education Department Punjab has started work to increase the Punjab schools non-salary budget (NSB). Under a new plan reported on 3 November 2026, funds will be given according to each school’s actual running costs instead of a fixed formula.
To make this possible, schools across all districts have been asked to submit their utility expense records, including electricity, gas and other bills, along with expense details for the previous twelve months.
What Is the Punjab Schools Non-Salary Budget?
The non-salary budget is the money a government school receives for everything except staff salaries. It covers:
- Electricity, gas and water bills
- Minor repairs and maintenance
- Stationery, chalk, registers and teaching aids
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Small purchases like fans, furniture repairs and first-aid supplies
At present, Punjab government schools receive around Rs12 billion a year in NSB funds. However, many heads say the money is not enough, especially in summer and winter when electricity and gas bills rise sharply.
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Why the Budget Is Being Revised
The current system gives funds mostly on the basis of enrolment and school category. A small primary school and a large high school with science labs and computer rooms may have very different costs, but the formula does not fully reflect this. As a result, some schools face unpaid bills, power cuts, or heads paying from their own pocket.
The new mechanism will consider school size, facilities and actual consumption. This means a school with a computer lab, more classrooms or a larger building could receive a fairer share.
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School Utility Bills Record: What Heads Must Submit
District education authorities have directed government school heads to collect and forward:
- Electricity bills, including the December 2025 bill
- Gas bills and other utility bills
- Month-wise expense details for the last twelve months
Officers have been told to make sure the school utility bills data is accurate, complete and verified before sending it forward. Wrong or incomplete data could lead to lower allocations, so heads should check every figure carefully.
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How This Will Help Schools and Teachers
If the plan is implemented properly, it can bring real relief:
- Fewer power cuts: Schools will be able to clear bills on time, keeping fans, lights and computer labs running.
- Better learning environment: Extra funds can be used for repairs, clean washrooms and drinking water.
- Less pressure on heads: Heads will not have to manage shortages from personal money or by asking teachers to contribute.
- Fair distribution: Districts and schools with higher needs will be identified and supported.
Punjab Schools Non-Salary Budget and Teachers’ Daily Work
Teachers may think the Punjab schools non-salary budget is only the head teacher’s concern, but it affects every classroom. When there is no money for chalk, markers or charts, teachers often buy them from their own salaries. When electricity is cut because of unpaid bills, students sit in hot or dark rooms and computer labs stay closed. A realistic NSB means teachers can focus on teaching instead of arranging basic supplies. Teachers can support heads by keeping stock registers updated and reporting needs early.
What Is Still Pending
The department has not yet announced the final increase or the new allocation formula. These details are expected after all district data is collected and analysed. Until then, schools should continue to manage current NSB funds carefully and keep complete records of every expense.
Advice for School Heads
- Keep a separate file for all utility bills and receipts.
- Record monthly expenses in the school’s cash book and get them signed.
- Share accurate data with the AEO and district office on time.
- Note any special needs, such as extra classrooms or labs, so they are reflected in the new formula.
For official notifications, visit the School Education Department Punjab.
Conclusion
A revised Punjab schools non-salary budget based on real costs is a practical step. If funds are released on time and used transparently, students and teachers in thousands of government schools will feel the difference in their daily classrooms.
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FAQs
What is the current non-salary budget for Punjab government schools?
About Rs12 billion a year, according to the department.
What records do schools need to submit?
Electricity, gas and other utility bills, plus expense details for the previous twelve months.
Has the new budget been announced?
Not yet. The final increase and formula will be announced after data collection.