The plan to provide free milk to primary school students in government schools across Rawalpindi Division has been delayed, causing significant disappointment. This initiative, promised by the Education Department, was supposed to begin when the new academic session started after the summer holidays. However, due to financial issues, the program has not yet started.
| Reason for Delay | Impact |
| Financial constraints | Postponement of the milk program |
| Punjab’s financial crisis | Program scaled back to two districts |
| Allocation for electricity | Program start delayed to mid-September |
| Pilot program adjustment | No milk distribution until August 31 |
Table of Content
Financial Crisis Hits Education Sector
The delay in the milk distribution program is primarily due to the severe financial crisis in Punjab. According to sources within the Education Department, the province is facing a tough financial situation, which has been made worse by the allocation of Rs. 45 billion for electricity concessions. This allocation has forced the government to postpone the milk distribution program that was meant to benefit thousands of students.
Limited Launch of the Program
Initially, the free milk program was planned to be rolled out in all primary schools across Punjab. However, due to the ongoing financial difficulties, the scope of the program has been significantly reduced. Instead of a province-wide launch, the program will now be piloted in two remote districts of South Punjab. The start date for this pilot program is mid-September, with the possibility of expanding to other districts if it proves successful and if funds become available.
Key Adjustments to the Program:
- Original plan was to cover all of Punjab
- Now limited to two remote districts
- Pilot to start mid-September
- Expansion depends on success and funding
No Milk Until August 31
The financial constraints have also led to a complete halt in the distribution of milk until at least August 31. This means that, despite the initial plan to start providing milk to students from August 15, no school in the province will receive any milk until the end of the month. The delay has sparked disappointment among educators and parents alike, as the program was seen as a vital step toward improving student health and attendance.
Concerns Raised by Teachers
Abdul Rauf Kayani, the President of the Rawalpindi District Primary Schools Teachers’ Association, expressed his disappointment with the delay. He highlighted the importance of the program in providing essential nutrition to students, many of whom come from low-income families. The delay not only impacts the health of the students but also affects their ability to focus and perform well in school. Teachers across the province had been eagerly anticipating the start of this program, and the delay has been a major setback.
Conclusion
The delay in launching the free milk program in schools is a significant setback for the Education Department and for the students who were supposed to benefit from it. Financial constraints have forced the government to scale back the program, with a pilot now set to begin in mid-September in just two districts. The success of this pilot will determine whether the program can be expanded to other areas. In the meantime, students across Punjab will have to wait for the promised nutritional support.
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FAQs
Why was the free milk program delayed?
The program was delayed due to severe financial constraints in Punjab, worsened by the allocation of Rs. 45 billion for electricity concessions.
When will the milk distribution begin?
The pilot program is now scheduled to start in mid-September in two remote districts of South Punjab.
Will the program expand to other districts?
The expansion of the program to other districts will depend on the success of the pilot phase and the availability of sufficient funds.
How does the delay affect students?
The delay means that students will not receive the promised milk until at least August 31, impacting their nutrition and potentially their performance in school.