Sindh budget focuses on education

The Sindh budget for fiscal year 2023-24 lays a strong emphasis on transforming the educational landscape of the province. Several key measures have been outlined, aiming to enhance the quality of education and expand access to learning opportunities. Let's take a closer look at some notable highlights:

Strengthening school infrastructure
With the objective of improving the educational journey, 57 primary institutions have been upgraded to middle schools, while 15 middle schools have been elevated to secondary schools. Furthermore, an impressive 150 secondary schools are set to be upgraded to higher secondary schools, enabling students to pursue advanced education paths.

Investment in colleges
Recognising the pivotal role of colleges in shaping students' futures, a significant allocation of Rs26,788.529 million has been dedicated to the development and support of colleges across Sindh. This investment will contribute to enhancing the quality of higher education in the region.

Enriching academic staff
To enhance the teaching workforce, the Sindh Public Service Commission is spearheading the recruitment of 1,500 lecturers. This initiative aims to ensure a qualified and competent faculty to nurture the intellectual growth of students.

Expanding educational institutions
In a bid to provide accessible education, an amount of Rs403.333 million has been set aside for the establishment of 23 new colleges. This expansion will create more learning opportunities for aspiring students, particularly in underserved areas.

Strengthening higher education
In recognition of the vital role universities play in research and development, a notable allocation of Rs987.739 million has been designated as grants to universities through the Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC). Additionally, Rs25,033.377 million has been earmarked to support public sector universities, further bolstering their efforts to excel in academic and research pursuits.

Empowering education initiatives
Acknowledging the commendable work of the Sindh Education Foundation, its budgetary allocation has been increased to Rs23 billion. This boost in funding will enable the foundation to expand its programs and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive and quality education.

Accessible learning materials
A substantial budget of Rs2,530 million has been allocated to ensure the distribution of free textbooks throughout the province. This endeavour aims to remove financial barriers and ensure that every student has access to essential learning resources.

Addressing out-of-school children
To tackle the issue of out-of-school children, the budget has set aside Rs1,553 million for the operation of non-formal education centres. This investment seeks to provide educational opportunities to marginalised children and reintegrate them into the learning ecosystem.

Empowering girls' education
In a determined effort to enhance female literacy, Rs800 million has been allocated for girls' stipends, enabling more young girls to pursue their educational dreams. Additionally, a sum of Rs140 million has been set aside to support the educational needs of special children, ensuring inclusive learning environments.

International collaborations
Through skillful negotiations, the government has successfully secured a budgetary support of Rs8,000 million from the European Union. This funding, acquired under the Development of Education through Enhanced Program (DEEP), will be utilised for implementing the education sector plan and restoring flood-damaged schools with an allocated budget of Rs5,000 million and Rs3,000 million, respectively.

Strengthening teaching workforce
To bolster the education system, the Sindh government has taken over 5,125 teachers from the federal government, demonstrating a commitment to supporting qualified educators. A sum of Rs1,537 million has been allocated annually to ensure their salaries.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2023.