Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif presided over a high-level meeting, here today to review “Khadim-e-Punjab Schools Programme” for construction of additional classrooms in schools. He also gave approval to include Smart Schools Programme in “Khadim-e-Punjab Schools Programme”. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that in the first phase 10227 additional classrooms will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 16 billion during current fiscal year under “Khadim-e-Punjab Schools Programme”. These classrooms will be constructed in a total of 5834 schools. He said that in the first phase additional classrooms will be constructed in the schools of southern Punjab. He said that 1401 additional classrooms will be constructed in Dera Ghazi Khan with a cost of more than Rs.2 billion. Shehbaz Sharif said that male and female students will get more facilities with the construction of additional classrooms which will leave a positive impact on education sector. Giving approval to include Smart Schools Programme in “Khadim-e-Punjab Schools Programme”, the Chief Minister said that students will be taught with the help of modern technology through smart schools and LED screens will be installed in classrooms while tablets will also be given to the teachers under this programme. He said that teachers training centers will also be digitalized gradually. Shehbaz Sharif said that “Khadim-e-Punjab Schools Programme” is a big project of public welfare and no compromise will be made on its standard. He said that standard and speed should be ensured in the programme of construction of additional classrooms. The Chief Minister said that Punjab government has made promotion of education its foremost priority and revolutionary programmes have been started for promotion of quality education. Secretary Communication & Works gave a briefing on “Khadim-e-Punjab Schools Programme”. Provincial Ministers Tanvir Aslam Malik, Rana Mashhood Ahmad, Chief Secretary, Secretary Communication & Works, MD NESPAK and concerned authorities attended the meeting.
