ADB Urges Pakistan to Implement Indian Education Plan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recently recommended that Pakistan adopt India’s ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) scheme to address the issues plaguing its education system and provide quality training for its citizens. This recommendation follows Pakistan’s request for financial support to enhance its educational infrastructure and reach out to out-of-school children.

Background on the ADB Recommendation

The ADB’s suggestion comes as part of a broader response to Pakistan’s appeal for assistance in overhauling its educational framework. According to a report by The Express Tribune, the ADB sees the Indian ULLAS scheme as a viable model for Pakistan to emulate in its efforts to improve educational outcomes.

Details of the ULLAS Scheme

ULLAS was launched by the Government of India in July 2023. Its primary aim is to support non-literate adults and individuals who missed out on formal schooling. The scheme focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy while also incorporating critical 21st-century skills such as:

• Financial Literacy

• Digital Literacy

• Commercial Skills

• Health Care Awareness

• Child Care and Family Welfare

This comprehensive approach to education is designed to provide not just basic education but also essential life skills necessary for modern living.

Strategic and Consultative Approach Recommended by ADB

The ADB’s recommendation emphasizes the need for a strategic and multi-stakeholder consultative approach. It advises that Pakistan should:

• Adopt Best Practices: Draw on successful international models like India’s ULLAS.

• Foster Collaboration: Engage both federal and provincial governments to work together in improving education access.

• Learn from Successes and Challenges: Utilize insights from ULLAS to navigate potential obstacles and build on proven strategies.

The ULLAS scheme is noted for its effective integration of various educational components and the need for coordinated efforts at different government levels, which the ADB believes could offer valuable lessons for Pakistan.

Indian Government’s Commitment to ULLAS

The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the ULLAS scheme for a five-year period. This centrally sponsored initiative aims to address all aspects of “Education for All,” ensuring that citizens gain not only foundational skills but also broader competencies required in today’s world.

Pakistan’s Current Educational Challenges

The ADB’s recommendation comes amid significant challenges within Pakistan’s education sector. A recent report by the Planning Commission highlighted that Pakistan’s education system has become increasingly dysfunctional. The District Education Performance Index Report 2023 revealed:

• Learning Outcomes: All 134 districts, excluding Islamabad, are struggling with poor learning outcomes.

• Public Financing: There are significant gaps in public financing for education.

• Human Resource Crisis: Many individuals entering the job market are inadequately educated.

These findings underscore the urgent need for reform in Pakistan’s education sector.

Pakistan’s Response and Recent Developments

In response to the education crisis, Pakistan declared an education emergency on International Literacy Day. This declaration aims to address the needs of approximately 26 million out-of-school children in the country. The emergency measures are intended to tackle the critical issues identified in the Planning Commission’s report and improve overall educational access and quality.

Upcoming Visit of ADB President

The ADB’s recommendation and Pakistan’s educational challenges are set to be discussed further during the upcoming visit of ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa to Pakistan. Scheduled to meet with Pakistani stakeholders, Asakawa’s visit will likely focus on how the ADB can support Pakistan’s educational reform efforts, including the potential adoption of the ULLAS scheme or similar strategies.

Conclusion

The Asian Development Bank’s recommendation for Pakistan to consider the Indian ULLAS scheme represents a strategic opportunity to address its educational shortcomings. By adopting a proven model like ULLAS, Pakistan could potentially overhaul its education system, improve training quality, and enhance overall educational outcomes. The ongoing discussions and developments, including the upcoming visit by ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa, will be pivotal in shaping the future of education in Pakistan.