Unfinished business: Rs677m set aside for 30 education projects

Only two new schemes launched, bulk of the amount to be spent on old ones.

ISLAMABAD:

The government has earmarked a paltry amount of Rs677 million 30 development projects, including two new schemes, in education sector in Islamabad Capital Territory.

With the devolution of the education ministry to the provinces under the 18th Amendment, now the newly set up Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) will be responsible for the execution of these projects.

According to the budget document presented by the Federal Finance Minister in the parliament house on Friday, seven schools and colleges are expected to be established in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) during the next fiscal year under the Public Sector Development Programme for 2011-12.

While upgradation of 50 model schools will be carried out during the upcoming fiscal year under the PSDP.

An amount of Rs100 million has been set aside for two new projects. Of the them Rs90 million will be spent on upgradation of 50 junior model schools and Rs10 million on strengthening and upgradation of Islamabad Model College for Boys I-8/3.

The establishment of Federal Government Degree College for Men at Sihala, will cost Rs107 million. Establishment of a degree college for women in Bhara Kahu is expected to cost Rs20 million. Allocation of Rs83 million has been made for the expansion and upgradation of FG Fatima Jinnah Degree College for Women, Model Town Humak.

An amount of Rs74 million has been allocated for establishment of three new schools. Similarly, Rs19 million have been set aside for FG Junior Model School Margalla View Housing Scheme Zone-2, D-17 sector, while Rs24 million will be spent on Junior Model School CBR Colony Zone-5 and Rs29 million have been allocated for FG Junior Model School Soan Gardens, Loi Bher.

For the provision of 119 computer labs in educational institutes, Rs36 million have been allocated, additional allocation of Rs18 million has been made for provision of 11 computer labs in FG model schools and colleges.

Computerisation of Braille Press at National Special Education Centre for visually impaired children is expected to cost around Rs30 million, while Rs11.5 million would be spent on the construction of a housing colony for teachers and staff of Directorate General of Special Education.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2011.