Allocate Tk 20,000cr for education in next budget

Prof Kholiquzzaman urges govt

6 May 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

The government will have to increase budgetary allocation for education sector, as the expenses will go up if the proposed National Education Policy is implemented, said noted economist Prof Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad yesterday. The education policy, which has already been finalised, would be implemented in nine years and it would require Tk 7,000 crore a year for its implementation, said Prof Kholiquzzaman, also the co-chair of the national education policy formulation committee. "The government should allocate at least Tk 20,000 crore for education sector in the upcoming budget," he said adding that effective implementation of the allocation is most essential. Kholiquzzaman made the remarks while speaking at a roundtable titled 'Financing in education' at the National Press Club in the city. National Front of Teachers and Employees (NFTE) organised the roundtable. Kholiquzzaman said the draft policy suggested extension of primary education up to class VIII and secondary level up to class XII and it would require a huge investment if the new system is introduced. Structural development of the schools, including building new classrooms, training of the teachers, setting up libraries and books will have to be made to implement the new system, he said. Dr Kholiquzzaman said the allocation that goes to education sector is inadequate and even the allotted funds were not utilised properly. He demanded more allocation for primary education. NFTE Chief Co-ordinator Principal Quazi Faruque Ahmed in his paper said this sector needs realistic plans immediately and their implementation. Leaders of different teachers' association also spoke.