Mera Begwal to get new educational institute soon

PM to choose between establishing a cadet college, a technical college or a public school.

ISLAMABAD:

The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has decided to establish an educational institute in Mera Begwal, but what remains to be known is whether it will be a cadet college, a technical college or a public school with modern facilities.

The proposed institute, whichever it may be, will be established in the existing building of a polytechnic college occupying 234 kanals in the outskirts of Islamabad. The facility has been lying vacant for many years. The building has a large seating capacity, in addition to a 120-bed hostel, a library, playgrounds and other related facilities.

Talking to The Express Tribune, FDE Director General (DG) Atif Mehmood Kayani said that a summary detailing proposals for each of the three institutions has been prepared and will soon be sent to the prime minister for approval. The prime minister will then decide which proposal to implement, he said.

The DG said that all proposed institutes are expected to be prominent establishments, adding that the proposed cadet college will be of the same standard as Cadet College Hasan Abdal. He said the proposal of a public school also details a high-standard establishment under the supervision of the Pakistan Air Force.

Kayani said that although the polytechnic college was never made functional, “We feel that now it will be utilised for an even better cause.”

The proposed institute would be run under the federal directorate of education, with a board of governors under the chairmanship of the prime minister.

Kayani said he is hopeful that the prime minister will approve the summary and the proposed institute will be made operational by the next academic year. He said the building needs some renovation as it has been lying vacant for quite some time.

Responding to a question, the DG said that a cadet college will be able to absorb more students and will also lower the burden on other reputable cadet colleges, especially Cadet College Hasan Abdal.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6^th, 2011.