Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Amir Haider Khan Hoti has said that more resources have been allocated to promote technical education congruent to market demands.
He said the importance of technical education and training was vital for eradication of unemployment that was why the government had allocated Rs. 2.82 billion for promotion of technical education in the province. Addressing prize distribution ceremony under technical board at CM House on Tuesday, the Chief Minister gave away laptops, Gold medals and certificates to toppers in Diploma of Associate Engineering, Commerce and Business Administration between 2006-2012.
Hoti said technically qualified and trained people were guarantee of economic development and prosperity adding that this important sector was ignored in the past however the present government was committed to improve the technical education in the province.
He said that a few years back, a meager amount of Rs.200-300 million annually was allocated for this sector but the present government allocated Rs.2.82 billion to technical education.
Chief Minister said that unfortunately education sector was neglected in the past but the present government has prioritize it and set up a large number of university campuses, colleges and schools at far flung areas of the province so as to provide schooling facilities at doorsteps. Due to the effective measures of the provincial government, the youth were not faced with any hurdles in getting education and has multiple choices to opt for in the academics, the chief minister added. He said that establishment of technical university was the need of the hour and asked secretary industries to forward his recommendation in this regard so that practical steps could be taken in this regard.
Chief Minister said that to encourage the students the present government introduced No-e-Sahr laptop scheme adding that so far 25000 laptops have been distributed among the top position holders under the said scheme.
Moreover, he went on to add that the provincial government also initiated “Hunarmand Rozgar scheme” to provide interest free loans to the skilled people. Under this scheme Rs.300000 interest free loans were provided to the youth in a bid to help them earn respectable livelihood, he added.
Ameer Hoti said that there were no two opinions about the significance of technical education that helps you stand on your feet and get employment opportunities both at home and abroad.
Earlier, the Chief Minister distributed laptops, medals and certificates among the position holders of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Technical Education Board.
Chief Minister said that Rs.230.20 million for the 1st phase while Rs.350.40 million for 2nd phase have been allocated under the scheme. He said that selection process of the trainees has been kept free from any sort of political influence and meritocracy has been ensured. The Chief Minsiter announced that toppers of technical board could also benefit from Stori Da Pakhtunkhwa Scheme and they could continue their studies without becoming burden for heir parents.
He said that under the scheme scholarship worth Rs.10,000 and Rs.15,000 have been offered to 10 toppers each of S.S.C and Inter and government colleges under entire education boards of the province. He said that implementation on technical and education programs will not hinder due to additional resources achieved under NFC Award and 18th Amendment. He said that 25000 laptops will be distributed among intelligent students including toppers of technical board under Niway Sahar Scheme.
He said that interest free loans worth Rs.300,000 under Hunarmand Rozgar Scheme have been given to trained youths. He said that merit and qualification was the criteria for loan under the scheme. He said that darkness of extremism and ignorance will be removed through light of knowledge and any sort of sacrifice will be rendered for transfer of safer, developed and prosperous Pakistan to future generation. He said that improvement of existing technical institutes will be prioritized. He stressed market demands based technical education and said that process of establishment of new institutes will move on.
Responding to welcome address, the Chief Minister agreed recommendation on technical university and directed concerned department for suggestions in this connection. He said that board needs regarding staff and others will be fulfilled. He announced honorarium for board’s employees. He congratulated gold medalists and their parents and teachers.
Addressing the gathering, Provincial Minister Mehmood Zeb said that the present government in leadership of Chief Minister has under taken valuable steps for promotion of technical education and has established 58 colleges of technical education.
Chairman Technical Board, Prof: Nasir Ali Muhammad Zai presented the welcome address and said that the board was playing a vital role in economic and industrial development of the province since 1972 by providing trained work force. He said that 525 technical institutes including institutes of FATA, AJK, Islamabad and Gilgit Baltistan were affiliated with the board.
Later on the Chief Minister conferred gold medals on 86 position holders in different technologies.
