G-B breaks record in educational spending

Triples budget to Rs922m as it makes human development its top priority

ISLAMABAD:

 

The Gilgit-Baltistan government has made human development its top priority as it tripled the amount released on educational reforms to Rs922 million from the budget, setting the benchmark for all other governments to follow.

This was a historic achievement in the public sector of Pakistan.

In the previous fiscal year 2021-22, Rs300 million was spent on special initiatives from the budget.

The G-B government initiated several first of its kind projects including science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (Steam) education, computer coding and entrepreneurship in 200 schools by the private sector experts for 20,000 students.

All higher secondary schools were converted into smart schools with blended learning experts as master teachers.

Three hundred new computer labs were established, 200 schools solarised, as well as more than 100 schools uplifted and given libraries and sports equipment.

Four new IT parks – coding boot camps in more than 50 schools for 15,000 students – were established and meals in 50 primary schools were provided.

The first-ever career fest was attended by over 15,000 students, 700 new teachers were recruited and posted, and 60 makerspaces with 3D printers and robotics kits were being set up.