ISLAMABAD: The federal government has earmarked Rs8.5 billion for ongoing and new development projects of Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.

The amount also includes over Rs2 billion for provision of missing facilities in Islamabad based educational institutions and Rs350 million for two separate projects for out-of-school children (OOSC).

According to Public Sector Development Programme 2023-24 (PSDP), Rs8.5 billion has been allocated for 17 ongoing projects and seven new development schemes.

In ongoing projects, the government has allocated major fund of Rs2.15 billion for a project titled ‘provision of basic educational (missing) facilities in educational institutions of ICT being run by Federal Directorate of Education (FDE).

Under this project, the ministry of education will provide basic facilities in FDE run schools and colleges besides constructing around 500 classrooms, auditoriums, laboratories, libraries and new toilet blocks, etc.

Rs8.5bn earmarked for education ministry projects

Total cost of this project is Rs6.7 billion and for fiscal year 2023-24, the government has allocated Rs2,157 million for it. The project was finalised last year and for fiscal year 2022-23, the government had earmarked only Rs382 million, however, this year, substantial allocation has been made.

Under the project, over 500 new classrooms, three auditoriums, 39 laboratories, 17 libraries, 148 toilet blocks and servant rooms will be built. The project will be divided into three phases.

Meanwhile, two projects, which are designed for out-of-school children are also part of seven new schemes.

According to budget documents, Rs150 million has been allocated for out-of-school children project in Islamabad Capital Territory while Rs100 million has been earmarked for another project titled ‘establishment of fund for addressing the crisis of OOSC’.

Pakistan has world’s largest figure of 23 million out-of-school children and currently ministry of education has been running a drive to make Islamabad zero out-of-school children city.

According to ministry’s data, there are over 55,000 out-of-school children in the capital city.

According to budget document, Rs200 million has been allocated for a project titled Pandemic Response Effectiveness Project for Covid-19, Rs250 million has been earmarked for National Institute of Excellence in Teachers’ education, Rs250 million has been allocated for a project titled “ Actions to Strengthen Performance for Inclusive and Responsive Education Programme, Rs150 million has been allocated for introduction of Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Rs1,500 million has been earmarked for skills development programme – a project of National Vocational and Technical Training Commission.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2023