Govt allocates Rs1.2 billion for smart classrooms & education facilities

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced several important initiatives to boost the education sector, including the allocation of Rs1.2 billion for the development of smart classrooms and construction of additional facilities.

In a recent press conference, Provincial Education Minister Faisal Tarakai announced that 1,500 schools will be handed over to the private sector through the public-private partnership model. Additionally, the government plans to establish 200 new schools through the Elementary Education Foundation.

Minister Tarakai revealed that an education budget of Rs364 billion has been allocated for the fiscal year 2025-26, which includes funding for 29 new projects. He also said that a special fund has been allocated for the rehabilitation of 10 historic schools.

To address the educational emergency, Rs1.2 billion has been allocated for the construction of smart classrooms and additional facilities. Acknowledging the challenge of out-of-school children, Tarakai assured that efforts to enroll these children will continue every year.

The provincial minister highlighted the significant lack of basic facilities in schools located in the merged districts. To address this issue, a plan is underway to construct 500 new classrooms in primary schools.

Moreover, all primary schools will provide free textbooks, bags and stationery, and progress is being made on the Education Card Scheme.

Tarakai promised that 100% furniture provision will be achieved in all schools by the end of the year.

Further steps include equipping high and higher secondary schools with computer labs and internet access.

The education minister also reported a 6% increase in teacher attendance, which is due to improved monitoring systems in schools.

Faisal Tarakai reiterated that expanding education is the government’s top priority, with a firm commitment to ensuring that every child in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa receives quality education.