Govt to consider relief package for low-fee private schools

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood has announced that the government is considering a financial relief package for the low fee private schools that have been affected by the ongoing COVID-19.

Shafqat Mahmood said that the issue regarding the special financial package will be discussed with Prime Minister Imran Khan soon and hopefully the packages will be approved.

Mahmood responded to a notice moved by MNAs Uzma Riaz, Nuzhat Pathan, and Ali Khan Jadoon, regarding the decision not to open schools in cold areas from August 2020, causing grave concern among the public. According to Mahmood, the schools can benefit from the lower mark-up loan scheme introduced by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

“The loan scheme introduced by the SBP offers a low mark-up of three to five percent. He advised SBP to consider further relaxation for low-fee schools,” he added.

The minister said that schools all over the country would hopefully open by 15th September. He also proposed to either reduce the curriculum or extend the school year by four months in order to cope with the pandemic. As per him, the final decision regarding the opening of the schools has not been taken yet.