GILGIT, July 3: The Northern Areas Education Department has decided to open around 50 literacy centres for adults in five districts.

The centres will cost Rs40.8 million whereas each would get Rs39,700 million from the total educational outlay.

Northern Areas education, local government and health Secretary Saeed Ahmed Khan told newsmen here that these centres were being set up at government schools in the evening shift. Each centre would enrol at least 60 candidates.

Initially, he elaborated, this project would span over two-year after which it could be extended with the participation of communities.

Trained teachers would impart education at the institutions where the entrants would be provided with textbooks and other educational kits free of cost. Both men and women teachers would be recruited on contract for the purpose, he added.

Mr Khan expressed the hope that this project would serve as a catalysts in enhancing literacy.