The government will allocate Rs 100 billion for 'President Education Sector Reforms Project' for establishing primary schools, maintenance of buildings and provision of missing facilities, said Federal Minister for Education, Javed Ashraf Qazi on Thursday.
He said this while talking to newsmen after a walk held to observe 'Education For All' (EFA) week on Thursday. The Unesco and Education Ministry have jointly organised the walk with on the theme: 'Every child needs a teacher'.
A large number of students, teachers, parliamentarians and social representatives participated in the walk. "We have also decided to fix Rs4,500 as the minimum salary of a teacher besides granting incentives on performance-based," the minister said.
Giving details of the project, Qazi said the funds would be allocated from next fiscal year, adding the amount would be used for establishing primary schools, rehabilitation of the old buildings and provision of water, electricity and sanitation facilities.
The minister said the government wanted to revamp the education system. The Ministry of Education has chalked out a comprehensive plan, which is ready to be presented to the cabinet for approval, he added. He said it would subsequently be forwarded to the provinces for implementation. All disputed material would be removed from the syllabi.
The plan includes, he said the replacement of present examination system to bring uniformity in examination papers of different boards, and removal of grace marks practice. The proposed syllabi would also contain short question-answers. He expressed the hope that these measures would help government improve the education system.
Minister of State for Education Anisa Zaib Tahirkheli, Secretary Education, and Director Unesco were also present on the occasion.