KARACHI, July 21: Despite preparation of courses and allocation of about Rs500 million by the federal education ministry, for introduction of technical and vocational education, besides science and arts subjects, at secondary school level, from academic session 2003, in the country, red tape has seemingly blocked the implementation of the plan.

Moreover, a plan to introduce new courses and technologies at technical education institutions has also been shelved despite repeated instructions from the Sindh chief minister, provincial education minister and Sindh planning and development minister.

About the funds, an official in the federal education ministry said Rs492 million were allocated for 34 districts of Punjab, 16 of Sindh, 22 of Balochistan and 24 districts of the NWFP, adding that an amount of Rs100 million had been distributed among all the said districts, except seven of Balochistan province.

According to the plan, vocational subjects were to be introduced in 110 secondary schools of the country.

At the initial stage, the planners believed technical and vocational training, would help solve the problem of unemployment in the country. They were of the view that without any technical or vocational skills, the students find it difficult to secure jobs, which aggravated the problem of unemployment, the source added.

Under the scheme, the existing polytechnic institutions in the public sector would be made effective. It suggested that evening classes for women be also introduced in these institutions, and more such centres be set up at Tehsil level, the source informed.

The feasibility study for such institutions was conducted by experts and the Islamic Development Bank had agreed to finance the project, the source said.

The plan had been prepared to realize President Gen Pervez Musharraf’s desire to set up at least one polytechnic institution each in 317 selected Tehsils.

About 78 polytechnic institutions are functioning in the country. Besides, the plan also includes restructuring of science education at secondary school level.—PPI