Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has approved a major expansion of the Sindh Education Foundation’s educational programmes, reopening of closed schools and establishment of new educational facilities in underdeveloped areas.
Important decisions regarding promotion of education, school infrastructure, increased subsidies and improvement of educational standards were taken during the 14th meeting of the Board of Governors of the Sindh Education Foundation, chaired by the chief minister.
Syed Murad Ali Shah said education is the Sindh government’s top priority, adding that investment in education is essentially an investment in the future of Sindh. He directed that children in underdeveloped and remote areas be provided opportunities for quality education and that focus be placed on strengthening educational infrastructure across the province.
The meeting was briefed that 3,230 schools and educational centres have been established under the Sindh Education Foundation, where 1,078,252 students are enrolled. More than one million students studying in foundation-assisted schools will benefit from the increase in subsidies, while more than 18,000 students enrolled in institutions run under The Citizens Foundation (TCF) will also benefit from the facility.
The subsidy rates of the Sindh Education Foundation have been revised for the first time since 2021-22. The meeting approved the revised subsidies, which will require an additional Rs7.9 billion annually. The meeting was told that the amount would be spent on improving educational standards, ensuring continuity of activities and providing better facilities to students.
The meeting also approved an increase in subsidies for Government Community Schools and non-formal education programmes, while it was decided to include a special grant package for educational facilities in underdeveloped and difficult-to-access areas.
The Sindh chief minister directed the reopening of closed Sindh Education Foundation schools and the establishment of new schools in areas deprived of government educational facilities. A decision was also taken to improve the infrastructure of schools lacking basic facilities.
The meeting was informed that around 500 Government Community Schools have been proposed to be activated in phases, with schools having more than 100 students to be given priority. Additional funds were also approved to activate the Public School Tando Adam under the Peoples School Model.
The chief minister said the Sindh Education Foundation has played an important role in expanding educational opportunities, adding that education is being promoted through public-private partnerships and community schooling. He directed that effective measures be taken to improve educational outcomes, increase enrolment and reduce the number of out-of-school children.
The meeting also considered proposals regarding the Sindh Education Foundation’s budget for fiscal year 2026-27 and stressed the provision of additional resources in view of the growing number of students. Approval was also given to provide additional resources for the recruitment of qualified and trained teachers and improvement of educational services.
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