Federal govt allocates Rs 25 billion for education, Rs 79 billion for IT sector
Business
Government has set a target of $3.5 billion for IT sector exports
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The federal government proposed a substantial increase in the budget for the Federal Ministry of Education, allocating Rs 25 billion and Rs 79 billion for the IT sector in the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25.
Education is a devolved subject after the 18th amendment in the Constitution of Pakistan.
Officials have indicated that Rs 2 billion will be designated for the Pakistan National Endowment Fund.
According to the Budget Speech, the government has set a target of $3.5 billion for IT sector exports.
To modernise the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and implement necessary tax collection reforms, the government will invest Rs 7 billion in digitization efforts.
Additionally, Rs 11 billion will be allocated to establish a Technology Park. The Pakistan Software Export Board will receive Rs 2 billion, while Rs 20 billion have been earmarked for Digital Infrastructure Information.
In education, the federal government will enhance the infrastructure of 167 schools in Islamabad and improve educational facilities there. A meal programme will be introduced in 200 schools in the federal area to support the physical and mental growth of the new generation.
To boost digital literacy in public sector schools, the government will provide internet services, smart screens, and tablets, and set up e-libraries to give students access to the latest information at their fingertips.
Furthermore, 16 colleges in the federal area will be overhauled and modernized, modeled after institutions like NUST, NUML, and COMSATS. These colleges will introduce a six-month course featuring modern educational facilities.
To support needy and deserving students, the government will introduce vouchers. Pink buses will be launched to transport female students in federal areas.
Moreover, funding for Daanish schools in Azad Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will see a significant rise, increasing from Rs 500 million to Rs 5 billion.
Under Benazir Taleemi Wazaif programme the federal government will register 1 million more children from needy families in the conditional cash transfer programme. The purpose of this programme is to promote education.
