Second Education Sector Development Policy Credit

closed

Within the wide-range reform agenda of the Government of Pakistan, the Second Education Sector Development Policy Credit Project - Punjab Province - key pillars will support: a) public finance reforms to increase public spending for education (and other pro-poor services) and to ensure fiscal sustainability; b) reforms that strengthen devolution and improve the fiduciary environment and governance; and, c) education sector reforms to improve quality, access and sector governance. The main benefits will be reversing the slide in education indicators, bringing more children into school up to grade 8 (particularly poor children and girls) sooner than previously expected, providing better quality education. The program would contribute to closing the social gap and helping the Country progress toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) related to poverty reduction and Education for All (EFA). Another indirect, but important, benefit is that the program is strengthening decentralization by increasing the role of districts, and promoting accountability between service users (parents and students) and service providers (schools and teachers). Overall, given the success of the first year program, the risk rating is moderate for the second year program, proposed to be supported under this project. Nevertheless, there is a need to maintain continued vigilance in case of a change of priorities and focus at the political level, both at the province and districts.