Govt mulls restoring universal stipends for girls from Class 6 to graduation
PM directs officials to launch mid-day meal pilot projects in two districts.
Highlights
- PM Tarique orders feasibility assessment
- Officials to assess cost, beneficiaries, implementation
- Stipends improved girls' attendance and discouraged child marriage
- Govt also considers merit-based stipends for boys
- Govt plans mid-day meal pilots in two districts
The government is considering reintroducing universal stipends for girls from Class 6 through graduation, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directing officials to assess the feasibility and prepare a detailed proposal.
The directive was issued at a meeting of the Prime Minister's Education Assistance Trust, chaired by the prime minister at his office in the Secretariat today (24 August), according to a press release from the PM's Press Wing.
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The meeting reviewed the trust's ongoing activities, objectives and role in providing financial assistance to students to prevent dropouts.
It also examined the impact of the universal stipend programme for girls introduced during the tenure of former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Officials highlighted its positive impact on girls' school attendance and continuation of education, as well as its role in discouraging child marriage.
Against this backdrop, Tarique directed officials to assess the feasibility of restoring universal stipends for girls from Class 6 through graduation.
The assessment will cover the estimated cost, number of potential beneficiaries, implementation mechanism and likely social and educational impacts before a detailed proposal is prepared.
The meeting also discussed introducing merit- and eligibility-based stipends for boys to encourage them to continue their education.
Student nutrition and health were also discussed, including the management of school-level mid-day meal programmes, nutritional standards, and safe food preparation and distribution.
The prime minister stressed that food provided to students must be nutritious, safe and of good quality, instructing officials not to compromise on food standards.
Two approaches to implementing the mid-day meal programme were discussed, considering costs, management efficiency, local participation and quality control.
PM Tarique directed officials to launch pilot projects based on the two approaches in two districts to assess their effectiveness, feasibility and potential outcomes.
Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Prime Minister's Education Adviser and spokesperson Mahdi Amin, Education Secretary Abdul Khaleque, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon and officials concerned attended the meeting.
