ISLAMABAD, Aug 23: An amount of Rs176 billion has been spent in the education sector from 1999 to 2002, the National Assembly was informed through a written reply.

Out of the total amount, Rs54 billion was spent during 1999- 2000, Rs56.4 billion during 2000-01 and Rs65.4 billion during 2001-02.

To another question, Education Minister Zobaida Jalal told the House that a policy to regularize evening shifts in different model institutions of the capital was under process. After approval, fee concessions to the students of the evening shift will also be considered.

During the last five years, the total income of different model colleges in the shape of fees charged from students was Rs159 million, while the total expenditure was Rs156 million.

The schools include Islamabad College for Boys, Islamabad Model College for Boys F-8/4, F-7/3, I-10/1, I-8/3, G-10/4 and F- 10/3. In the girls sections, the model institutions are Islamabad College for Girls F-6/3, Islamabad Model College for Girls F-7/4, F-6/2, F-8/1 and G-10/2.

Out of the total income of Rs159 million, Rs117.4 million was from seven educational institutions for boys, while their expenditure during the same period was Rs113.9 million. Similarly, Rs41.7 million was the income of five educational institutions for girls, while the expenditure during the corresponding period was Rs42 million.

The fee charged from the students of the evening shift of different model institutions was almost equal to the expenditure incurred during the same period.

The House was told that no fresh foreign scholarships were awarded by the education ministry during 2000-01, 2001-02 and in the current financial year due to a ban imposed by the finance division in this regard.

About the unemployment allowance to all educated but unemployed persons in the country, the House was informed that it was not possible due to the economic conditions and financial constraints.

However, a project called “Support to Scientific Talent,” was launched by the Higher Education Commission for award of subsistence allowance to science graduates with a view to providing them some relief.

About 3,000 graduates have so far been awarded subsistence allowance to the tune of Rs23 million during the last 5-6 years

Under the scheme, Rs1,200, Rs1,800 and Rs2,400 per month were provided to first Class MSc, MPhil and PhD degree holders, respectively, in science disciplines for a period of one year or till they get a job.

The beneficiaries are also assigned research work at different colleges, universities and research and development departments during the period they are paid the allowance.

The lower House was told that the overall literacy rate in the country was 51.6 per cent — 64 per cent men and 39.2 per cent women.