CDA to Start Repair Work at Five Schools as Government Plans Smart Boards, Solar Power and Free Lunch Programme

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to urgently improve infrastructure, teaching facilities and student services in government schools across Islamabad.

During a high-level meeting on October 28, the Prime Minister asked Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to ensure that the identified problems in the capital’s government schools are addressed within one week.

The directives cover school buildings, curriculum, teacher training, transport, healthcare and other facilities. The government has also been asked to develop a plan to make the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) more effective.

CDA to Repair Five School Buildings

One of the key developments is the involvement of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in school maintenance.

Following the Prime Minister’s meeting, CDA and education officials discussed the repair and maintenance of government schools. According to officials, CDA will initially take up work at five school buildings reported to be in poor condition. Further schools may be included later at the request of the FDE.

This is an important step because safe and properly maintained school buildings are essential for students and teachers.

Smart Boards, Solar Power and Better Facilities

The Prime Minister also directed authorities to install smart boards in government schools and promote solar energy to improve school facilities.

Other instructions include:

• Restarting the free lunch programme for students.
• Expanding the school bus service.
• Installing ramps for students with disabilities.
• Improving healthcare facilities in schools.
• Providing better training for teachers.
• Ensuring teacher recruitment strictly on merit.
• Allowing teachers to focus on teaching instead of unrelated duties.

Officials informed the meeting that 278 government buses were already operating in Islamabad to transport students.

Survey Identifies Problems in Schools

A survey conducted on the Prime Minister’s earlier instructions reviewed school infrastructure, curriculum and other facilities.

The meeting was informed that most government schools had internet access, clean drinking water and computer laboratories. However, some schools still faced infrastructure-related problems.

The government has now directed the relevant departments to work on these issues and improve the overall learning environment.

The next important step will be to see how quickly the repair work begins and whether the announced reforms are implemented across Islamabad’s government schools.