Closing in on goals: Education budget reflects commitment

At least 64 projects aimed at set target already under way

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has claimed the education budget truly reflects its deep commitment to providing free and quality education to people across the province.

It also said its aim includes ensuring provision of free and high quality primary and secondary schooling.

This was stated in a handout issued by the K-P Elementary and Secondary Education Department on Monday.

“Education is a high priority for the PTI-led provincial government and a large part of the budget for the year 2016-17 has been allocated to it,” the statement read.

The breakdown

In the budget, an allocation of Rs12,453 million has been made for a total of 72 projects, out of which 64 are ongoing with an allocation of Rs10,030 million. The eight new ones had an amount of Rs2,423 million at their disposal.

The document elucidated that major targets of the new budget are provision of special initiative, establishment of 200 smart schools, first-ever girls cadet college in Mardan, cadet college in Swat, 1,300 girls community schools, 160 new primary schools, 500 information technology labs in high and higher secondary schools, upgradation of 50 primary, 50 middle and 50 high schools and standardisation of 200 higher secondary schools across K-P. Moreover, stipends to girls from classes six to 10 will be provided at the rate of Rs200 a month and will also continue in the next budget.

“Education is an investment in the future generation and provides a foundation for human development. Therefore, the fundamental focus of the provincial government is to provide access to education for all,” the handout stated. It added the government was keen on creating gender balanced staff and fulfilling infrastructural requirements of existing institutions.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2016.