RECENTLY, laptops were distributed to meritorious students of various universities as part of the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme. It is a good project that has helped students over the years in their assignments, research and studies. But I just wonder if the government has ever done the cost-benefit analysis of the project. Is it the most critical area of education to invest in?

If we look at the statistics, around 25 million children between ages five and 16 years are out of school; 60 per cent of them being girls. In the wake of the poor economic condition of households and the expenses of education, this number is bound to increase. Why does the government think that just giving out laptops would fix the issues of education?

Only providing laptops to students will never serve the cause of education in the country. The government, as such, should rethink its policies for the promotion of learning and education.

Inam Kakar
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2024