ISLAMABAD – Minister for Federal Education and Professional TrainingMuhammad Baligh Ur Rehman Wednesday informed the Senate that the governmenthad introduced scheme titled “National Education Reform Initiative” with anallocation of Rs 500 million aimed at modernizing, standardizing and meritbased examination system across the country.

Replying to a question in the House, the minister said for the purpose,quality enhancement cells in 29 educational boards would be established toimprove capacity of stakeholders like competencies, learning outcomes fordifferent courses, training of teachers, paper setters, examinationsupervisory and assessment staff to design valid and reliable tests /levels of cognition / application of latest assessment tools.

The scheme was being executed by the Federal Board of Intermediate andSecondary Education, he said.

The minister said the Project Steering Committee (PSC) comprisingrepresentatives from all provincial and area governments was notified,which had held 15 meetings so far.

He said the objective of constitution of steering committee was to take onboard the provincial / area governments on the subject and their inputwould be included in the PC-I.

Meanwhile, Minister for Maritime Affairs Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo told theHouse that quota was being strictly implemented in recruitment in hisministry and its attached departments. – APP