KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has approved a major expansion of the Sindh Education Foundation’s education programs, including the reopening of closed schools and the establishment of new educational facilities in underserved areas.
The decisions were taken during the 14th meeting of the Sindh Education Foundation Board of Governors, chaired by the chief minister. The meeting reviewed measures related to education promotion, school infrastructure, increased subsidies and improvement of educational standards.
Syed Murad Ali Shah said education remains the Sindh government’s top priority, stressing that investment in education is an investment in the province’s future. He directed authorities to ensure quality education opportunities for children in underdeveloped and remote areas and to strengthen educational infrastructure across Sindh.
The meeting was informed that 3,230 schools and educational centres are currently operating under the Sindh Education Foundation, serving 1,078,252 students. More than one million students enrolled in foundation-assisted schools will benefit from the increased subsidy, while more than 18,000 students studying at institutions operated under The Citizens Foundation (TCF) will also benefit.
The subsidy rates of the Sindh Education Foundation have been revised for the first time since 2021-22. The revised subsidies were approved, requiring an additional Rs7.9 billion annually. Officials said the additional funding would be used to improve educational quality, maintain academic activities and provide better facilities to students.
The meeting also approved increased subsidies for Government Community Schools and Non-Formal Education programs. A special grant package was also proposed for providing educational facilities in disadvantaged and difficult-to-access areas.
The chief minister directed the Sindh Education Foundation to reopen closed schools and establish new schools in areas lacking government educational facilities. Improvements to the infrastructure of schools without basic facilities were also approved.
Officials informed the meeting that around 500 Government Community Schools are proposed to be reopened in phases, with priority given to schools having more than 100 students. Additional funding was also approved to reactivate the Public School Tando Adam under the Peoples School Model.
Syed Murad Ali Shah said the Sindh Education Foundation has played an important role in expanding educational opportunities through public-private partnerships and community-based schooling. He directed authorities to take effective measures to improve learning outcomes, increase enrolment and reduce the number of out-of-school children.
The meeting also reviewed proposals for the Sindh Education Foundation’s 2026-27 budget, with emphasis on providing additional resources to meet the needs of the growing student population. Additional resources were approved for recruiting qualified and trained teachers and improving the delivery of educational services.