THE Ehsaas Education Stipends programme is a significant step in the right direction, providing financial assistance to the deserving students of primary and secondary levels. But the question is: will this project enhance quality education, keeping in view future knowledge-based economy?

There are other similar schemes, but the students who receive the stipends often end up spending the money on things that have nothing to do with education.

The families of these children, instead, utilise the amount on home expenses. Also, many students use the stipend on buying mobile phone cards or better internet facilities which they consume on video-sharing social networking services.

Consequently, the purpose of such stipends is not served. Although the current programme may be a stepping stone for encouraging and attracting students towards education, the amount should have been spent on practical training for skilled jobs and for rewarding technology-based modules of rational learning.

This may help students to earn sustainable incomes and be ready for future challenges.

Arsalan Ali
Shikarpur

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2021