October 4, 2002	Friday	Rajab 26, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 3: Over Rs647 million has been estimated to be needed for the upgradation of 377 federal government schools and 19 model colleges of Islamabad.

Minister for Education, Science and Technology Dr Attaur Rehman, at a recent meeting, expressed his displeasure over the disparity between the federal government educational institutions.

An official source told Dawn that the estimated amount of Rs647 million would primarily be needed to fulfil staff requirements which would be further fine-tuned after the approval of the plan.

Under the proposed plan, an additional amount of Rs273 million will be required to induct teachers at primary level. Similarly, Rs349.6 million will be needed to appoint secondary level teaching staff.

An additional amount will also be required for non-teaching staff at primary as well as secondary level respectively, besides transportation expense.

The source said Islamabad model colleges (IMCs) provided a successful system of excellence in education and upgradation of the FG schools would mean that every child in the capital would have access to quality education.

Under the plan, the available teachers at the federal government schools, who have done graduation, will be placed in grade 16 while those who have done masters will be promoted to grade 17.

There are 317 junior lady teachers and 130 lecturers working in different FG schools.

The source said the induction process of teachers would be carried out in phases in coordination with the Federal Public Service Commission.

The teachers, who are only matric, will either be offered golden handshake scheme or transferred to their provinces of domicile. Teachers who have done FA, FSc, BA or BSc will be offered a chance to enhance their qualifications, so that they can compete with the junior teachers. A maximum of three years will be given to them to enhance their qualifications.

The planners believe that different systems of education tend to disintegrate a society with their implied effects.

For the first time in the country’s educational scenario, class distinction will come to an end.

After the implementation of the new policy of a uniform system of education, the service cadres of both streams — FG schools and Islamabad model colleges — will be merged into common seniority as per the general seniority rules.

Dr Rehman, however, directed the authorities concerned not to increase fees and obtain additional funding from the government.