Rs620bn allocated for education sector

The Sindh government has earmarked Rs620 billion for the education sector in the fiscal year 2026-27 budget. Under the Annual Development Plan (ADP), Rs25.86 billion—6.8 percent of the total—is allocated for education, alongside a School Specific Budget Allocation of Rs22.64 billion. Educational supplies funding will double from Rs3.81 billion to Rs7.62 billion, while Rs1.5 billion supports progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 4, aligning with the 2026 UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report. Key initiatives include Rs1 million for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum expansion and the STEAM Muqablo competition. Textbook distribution will receive Rs5 billion, with an additional Rs850 million for the Sindh Textbook Board to supply materials to public and SEF-assisted schools. Vocational training funding rises to Rs3,515.18 million, up from Rs2,550 million in the previous fiscal year. College education funding totals Rs41.4 billion, including Rs1.3 billion for 13 Cadet Colleges and Rs120 million for community colleges. The Universities & Boards Department secures Rs7.4 billion, covering registration, enrollment, and examination fees for Classes IX to XII across seven boards. The Sindh Higher Education Commission’s budget increases from Rs42.29 billion to Rs45.80 billion, with Rs44.46 billion directed toward 32 public universities, campuses, and 11 new facilities for the University of Karachi and University of Sindh.