The Public Schools Reorganization Program (PSRP)
The Public Schools Reorganization Program (PSRP) is a transformative initiative aimed at revitalizing the educational landscape of Punjab by addressing persistent challenges in underperforming and under-resourced public schools. Launched under the auspices of the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF), the program is designed to uplift educational standards, expand access to quality education, and bridge the gaps faced by children from disadvantaged communities.
Education is widely recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable social and economic development. Yet, in many parts of Punjab, access to quality education remains limited due to inadequate facilities, a shortage of trained teachers, and insufficient resources. PSRP was conceptualized as a direct response to these challenges, with the vision of transforming struggling schools into vibrant centers of learning that foster both academic achievement and holistic development.
IRM’s Role in PSRP
The Institute of Rural Management (IRM), a leading development organization with extensive experience in managing educational and social protection projects, has been entrusted with implementing PSRP in selected districts. Under this program, PEF assigned IRM the management of 149 schools across four districts—Chakwal, Rahim Yar Khan, Khushab, and Mianwali. These districts were chosen due to their unique socio-economic challenges and the potential for substantial improvement through targeted interventions.
IRM currently manages 149 schools with a total enrollment of 8,288 students. In Phase I, IRM officially assumed management of 114 schools on October 1, 2024, when the total enrollment stood at 4,762 students supported by 114 teachers. Since then, IRM’s interventions have expanded enrollment to 7,096 students, while the teaching workforce has grown to 273. To further improve the school environment and ensure student welfare, IRM has recruited 114 ayas (caretakers) and 114 security guards, creating safe and nurturing conditions for learning.
In July 2025, IRM signed a memorandum of understanding with the Punjab Education Foundation for the management of 35 additional schools in Tehsil Rahim Yar Khan, KhanPur and Mianwali under Phase II of the program.
Infrastructure and Facilities Development
One of IRM’s foremost priorities has been to improve the physical and learning environment of these schools. At the time of takeover in Phase I, only 87 of the 114 schools were connected to WAPDA electricity. To address this gap, IRM extended electricity to 22 additional schools and introduced solar energy solutions to ensure sustainable power supply in remote areas.
In the hilly areas of Quaidabad, Khushab, where access to clean drinking water was a persistent challenge, IRM established new water sources to provide students with safe drinking water. Simultaneously, non-functional toilets were restored, thereby improving sanitation standards and promoting student hygiene.
IRM has also carried out plantation drives to create greener, healthier school environments, while providing essential furniture and books to enhance classroom learning. Another pressing challenge was the presence of shelter-less and unsafe schools in Sadiqabad, Rahim Yar Khan, and Khushab. Construction of shelters for these schools is now underway, ensuring that students will have safe and weather-appropriate learning spaces. Through these interventions, IRM is not only upgrading facilities but also rebuilding trust among parents and communities in the public school system.
Enhancing Enrollment and Community Engagement
The remarkable growth in enrollment demonstrates the positive outcomes of IRM’s efforts to make schools more accessible, secure, and appealing to children and parents. Improved infrastructure, better teacher-student ratios, and a stronger focus on cleanliness and hygiene have all contributed to this success.
Beyond infrastructure, IRM recognizes that sustainable transformation depends on community engagement. By involving parents, local leaders, and community members, IRM has cultivated a sense of ownership and responsibility toward education. This participatory approach ensures that the reforms introduced under PSRP remain both sustainable and responsive to community needs.
Contact Information:
Email: iram@irm.edu.pk
Address: IRM Complex, #7, Sunrise Avenue, Park Road, Near COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan.