ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - The government’s education emergency policy has been exposed, as Institute of Social and Policy Sciences (I-SAPS) report reveals that 25 million children are still out of school.
A latest report by the Institute of Social and Policy Sciences (I-SAPS) has highlighted the weaknesses of the government’s education emergency policy.
According to the report, total spending on education in the country has reached Rs 500 billion, but a major portion of this cost is now being borne by ordinary Pakistani families rather than the government.
The I-SAPS report states that this is the first time in the country’s history that household spending on education has exceeded the government’s education budget. According to the report’s 15th edition, more than 25 million children remain outside the education system.
Statistics show that the public is spending Rs 280 billion on education, while government investment has declined to Rs 220 billion. As a result, 56 percent of the financial burden of education is being borne by the public, and only 44 percent by the state.
The report further reveals that parents are compelled to spend Rs 1,310 billion on private school fees, Rs 613 billion on coaching and tuition, and Rs 878 billion on other personal education-related expenses.
During a policy dialogue, I-SAPS Executive Director Dr Salman Humayun said that when household spending on education surpasses government investment, it indicates a serious equity crisis.
According to Aza Farukh, Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank, the growing trend of private schools is evidence that families are choosing to exit the public education system.
I-SAPS Director of Programmes Ahmed Ali stated that the rise in private education expenditure sends a clear policy message to the government. He said the situation calls for strengthening the public education system.
He added that resources should be used effectively, with a particular focus on ensuring educational equity for girls and marginalized communities.