Sindh government allocates Rs18.67 billion directly to public schools

KARACHI: The Sindh government has taken a significant step towards decentralizing financial management in the education sector by allocating a budget of Rs18.67 billion directly to government schools across the province. According to an official statement, this move is aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in the use of educational funds.

Under the new arrangement, the heads of 31,633 government schools have been designated as Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs). This change will enable school principals to directly manage their respective budgets, rather than relying on district-level officials for fund disbursement. The initiative is expected to streamline financial processes and empower school leadership in addressing the specific needs of their institutions.

The Sindh Education Department stated that the direct allocation of funds is part of broader reforms to enhance the quality of education and ensure timely provision of resources. By giving school heads the authority to oversee expenditures, the government aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and promote greater accountability at the grassroots level.

Officials highlighted that the new system will cover various operational expenses, including maintenance, utilities, and procurement of essential materials. The department emphasized that this approach is designed to address longstanding challenges faced by schools, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

According to the official statement, the government believes that empowering school heads as DDOs will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, ultimately benefiting students and improving educational outcomes across Sindh.