Tk 9,500 crore cut from PEDP-5 under pressure

A major investment plan to improve the quality of primary education has faced significant pressure, forcing authorities to reduce the proposed expenditure. The Planning Commission has managed to cut the budget in two phases.

The proposed cost of the Fifth Primary Education Development Program (PEDP-5), submitted by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, was nearly Tk 50,000 crore. However, following questions raised at a Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) meeting, around Tk 8,859 crore was initially deducted. Later, a review meeting decided to cut another Tk 670.51 crore. After the two rounds of reductions, the proposed cost of the program stands at Tk 41,090.48 crore.

According to Planning Commission sources, preparations are underway to place the new program before the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval. If approved, the program is scheduled to be implemented from this year through 2031. The Directorate of Primary Education will be responsible for its implementation.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education initially proposed Tk 49,950 crore for PEDP-5. Of this amount, Tk 34,950 crore was expected to come from government funds and Tk 15,000 crore from foreign loans or grants. Following the PEC meeting, the proposed cost was reduced to Tk 41,761 crore. A subsequent decision to make further cuts brought the total reduction to around Tk 9,500 crore.

According to the latest proposal, Tk 33,203.23 crore will come from government funds, Tk 7,610.50 crore from foreign loans and Tk 276.75 crore from foreign grants.

Planning Commission sources said the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), European Union, UNICEF, UNESCO and the University of Oxford are involved in the financing of the program.

The proposed expenditure plan prioritizes infrastructure, training, sanitation and educational materials, among other sectors.

Of the proposed allocations, Tk 10,352.51 crore has been earmarked for making school uniforms and Tk 10,881.94 crore for constructing non-residential buildings. The proposed expenditure for purchasing computers and related equipment is Tk 2,234.58 crore.

Additionally, Tk 2,397.90 crore has been proposed for sanitation activities at 66,737 schools, Tk 3,125.75 crore for training and Tk 3,520 crore for repairing offices and schools. The allocation for consultancy services stands at Tk 436.52 crore.

PEDP-5 is now awaiting presentation at an ECNEC meeting.

According to the proposal submitted by the Directorate of Primary Education, primary education development programs have been implemented continuously since 2004 to improve the country’s primary education sector.

The latest initiative, PEDP-4, made progress in increasing participation in pre-primary and primary education, developing infrastructure, recruiting and training teachers, supplying educational materials and ensuring inclusive education.

However, despite these achievements, students’ foundational literacy and numeracy skills have yet to reach the expected levels. The directorate believes more targeted and evidence-based initiatives are needed to improve learning outcomes.

There are also limitations in expanding digital education, ensuring participation in education among marginalized and vulnerable communities, and improving efficiency and accountability in education management.

Against this backdrop, PEDP-5 places emphasis on improving foundational learning skills and educational outcomes, expanding technology-based and innovative teaching methods, enhancing teachers’ skills and strengthening inclusive education.

Increasing transparency and accountability in education management is also one of the program’s key objectives.

The proposed program is expected to contribute to implementing the current government’s election manifesto commitment to ensuring quality, inclusive and technology-based education for all.

It also aims to make the primary education system more efficient, inclusive and future-oriented in line with the National Education Policy and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).

Planning Commission sources said a Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) meeting was held on May 19 to discuss the proposed program. The meeting recommended its approval subject to certain conditions.

However, as the Development Project Proposal (DPP) was not restructured in accordance with the meeting’s decisions, a review meeting was subsequently arranged. Finally, the DPP was restructured based on the recommendations made at these meetings.

Mohammad Ehsanul Haque, member (Senior Secretary) of the Planning Commission’s Socio-Economic Infrastructure Division, which is responsible for the program, said in the commission’s opinion that implementing the program would advance efforts to ensure a quality primary education system that is inclusive, technology-based and focused on learning outcomes.

Considering its importance, the commission has recommended approval of the program.