PESHAWAR, Oct 4: The NWFP government is likely to increase allocation for free distribution of textbooks among the students of primary level in government schools worth about Rs50 million, according to official sources.

The provincial government had initially pledged to provide books worth Rs100 million for the purpose. The allocation was made under provincial annual development programme for the current financial year. However, owing to the importance of the scheme, it was considering to increase the allocation by about Rs 50 million to cover wide number of students of the government schools.

“Final decision in this regard has yet to be taken,” an official said.

The project will also be funded from World Bank programme. According to the scheme, the provincial government is required to distribute the books at the beginning of the next academic year, which will begin in March 2004.

To meet the requirement, an understanding has been reached at between the NWFP textbook board and the department of schools and literacy. The board will provide textbooks in all 24 districts of the province. Tehsil and district administrations will be responsible for the distribution of books.