KARACHI, May 13: The provincial education department has planned various inter-district annual competitions in the fields of science, culture and sports for the students of schools and colleges.

This year, the events would be held between May 19 and 31 at different places in the province, said an official of the education department.

The department has also constituted a central committee to organize the events and ensure fulfilment of the objectives as per the approved PC-1 for three years, which would cost Rs39.787 million.

For the first year, the government has decided to spend an amount to the tune of Rs8 million. The district organizing committees would be constituted by the respective EDOs (Education), according to a government notification.

The official said a competition among successful students from various districts would be held at provincial level, providing the students a chance to compete and develop acquaintance with students of other districts.

Replying to questions, the education department official said that PC-1 was approved last year but the required administrative approval for the conduct of science, culture and arts activities was accorded only a couple of weeks back, while efforts were being made for timely release of funds to the EDOs.

He said that in addition to yearly events for three years, a significant amount had also been allocated under the PC-1 for the development and maintenance of play grounds at different educational institutions in the province. Funds related to ground development would be released by the government only in the third year of the project provided that other events were held as per the plan in the first and second year, he mentioned.

The official further said that the quarters concerned, already working on the project, were waiting for the required approval and release of fund. They had ensured conduct of local events and selection of district teams for competitions at provincial level, he added.

“Though the organizers are left with very little time for this year’s competitions due to upcoming summer vacations, it is hoped that students of schools in general and of college in particular would find some time to participate in the competition,” he said.

Different sports events would be held from May 19 to 29 in various districts whereas debates in Urdu, Sindhi and English would be held at Khairpur, Shikarpur and Dadu from May 23 to 28. General quiz competitions at Mithi would be held on May 25 and 26, cultural exhibition at Sukkur from May 26 to 28, science exhibition at Karachi from May 30 to June 1. Story-writing competition would be held from on May 25 and 26 while Qirat and Naat competition on May 28 and 29.

The age of the participants of the events should be under-16 for school students and under-20 for college students.

Education Secretary will be the chairman/convener of the central organizing committee members of which would include a director of technical education project, director of RM and SEMIS, chairman of BSE Karachi, director of sports and youth affairs Sindh, director information; deputy district officer (education) secondary and higher secondary (male), assistant director of PM Cell and the principal of the College of Physical Education, Karachi.