LAHORE (Education Reporter)
The Government of Punjab, in its annual budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, has proposed a total allocation of Rs. 30 billion and 50 crore (Rs. 30.50 billion) for the Higher Education Department (HED) to promote higher education and improve the infrastructure of educational institutions across the province. According to the budget documents, substantial funds have been earmarked for digitalization, construction of new infrastructure, and providing modern facilities to students.
Upgradation and Digitalization of Colleges
The budget proposes an allocation of Rs. 80 crore for the establishment of new colleges across the province. To modernize the current college network, Rs. 7 crore has been earmarked for the ‘HED Secretariat and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for Colleges’. To technologically empower youth, Rs. 10 crore has been proposed for the ‘Chief Minister Laptop Scheme’, and another Rs. 10 crore has been designated for establishing modern IT Labs in colleges. Additionally, a hefty amount of Rs. 1.30 billion (Rs. 1 ارب 30 کروڑ) has been suggested to ensure the provision of basic and instructional facilities in public colleges.
Development Projects for Universities and Colleges
Funds have also been announced for specific development projects across various universities and colleges, including those in the provincial capital, Lahore:
- University of Home Economics: Rs. 5 crore and 30 lakh allocated for the construction of a new academic block.
- Government Samanabad College, Lahore: Rs. 4 crore and 30 lakh approved for the construction of a BS Block.
- UET Lahore: Rs. 5 crore and 80 lakh earmarked for the improvement and upgradation of the Computer Science and Engineering Department.
- GC University, Lahore (GCU): Rs. 2 crore and 40 lakh proposed for the construction of a new girls’ hostel to facilitate female students.
Security and Boundary Wall Construction
According to the budget documents, under the measures taken to strengthen the security and infrastructure of educational institutions, a budget of Rs. 7 crore has been allocated for the construction and repair of boundary walls at Punjab University and other public colleges.
Sources within the Higher Education Department stated that these development funds will significantly help elevate the standards of higher education in the province and provide students with a world-class academic environment.
Budget Highlights at a Glance
| Development Scheme / Sector | Proposed Budget Allocation |
| Higher Education Department (Total Budget) | Rs. 30 Billion 50 Crore |
| Provision of Basic Facilities in Colleges | Rs. 1 Billion 30 Crore |
| Establishment of New Colleges | Rs. 80 Crore |
| Chief Minister (CM) Laptop Scheme | Rs. 10 Crore |
| Establishment of IT Labs in Colleges | Rs. 10 Crore |
| Construction of Boundary Walls (Punjab University & Colleges) | Rs. 7 Crore |
| HED Secretariat and ERP System for Colleges | Rs. 7 Crore |
| UET Computer Science & Engineering Department Upgradation | Rs. 5 Crore 80 Lakh |
| University of Home Economics (New Block) | Rs. 5 Crore 30 Lakh |
| Government Samanabad College (BS Block) | Rs. 4 Crore 30 Lakh |
| GC University Lahore (New Girls’ Hostel) | Rs. 2 Crore 40 Lakh |