Directive to examine possibility of reintroducing universal stipend for girls

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed examination of the possibility of reintroducing universal stipend for girls from class six to graduation. At the same time consideration is also being given to providing stipend to boys on the basis of merit and qualification to encourage them in education.

These directives were given at a meeting held under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday (August 24). Shahadat Hossain Shadhin, Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, informed this information.

Discussion was held at the meeting on the activities of the Prime Minister’s Education Assistance Trust, its objectives and its role in preventing dropouts through financial assistance to students. At this time the impact and achievements of the universal stipend programme for girls introduced during the tenure of former prime minister Khaleda Zia were also reviewed.

It was said at the meeting that that programme had played a positive role in increasing the attendance of girls in schools, continuing education life and discouraging child marriage. In that context it has been asked to examine whether universal stipend can be reintroduced for girls from class six to graduation.

For this, instruction has been given to prepare a clear proposal by analysing the possible cost, number of beneficiaries, implementation method and the possible social and educational impact of the programme.

At the same time discussion was also held on providing stipend to boys on the basis of merit and qualification to encourage them in education.

New initiative on mid-day meal in schools

The issue of nutrition and health protection of students was also considered at the meeting as an important part of improving the quality of education. Discussion was held on the management of the mid-day meal programme at the school level, nutritional value of the food and ensuring supply of safe food.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the food given to the students should be nutritious, safe and of standard quality. He also directed that there should be no compromise of any kind regarding the quality of the food.

Two alternative methods have been discussed considering cost, management, local level participation and quality control in operating the mid-day meal. Instruction has been given to launch pilot projects of the two methods in two separate districts to examine effectiveness and feasibility.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Mahdi Amin, education adviser and spokesperson to the Prime Minister, Abdul Khaleque, Education Secretary, and Atikur Rahman Rumon, additional press secretary to the Prime Minister, along with other concerned officials were present at the meeting.