DEPI 2023: The Report Aims to Revolutionize District-Level Education in Pakistan

Today, the Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives took a significant step forward in advancing education across Pakistan with the launch of the District Education Performance Index (DEPI) 2023 Report. This groundbreaking tool aims to provide accurate, evidence-based insights into the educational performance at the district level, marking a pivotal moment in the country's efforts to enhance its education system.

The DEPI 2023 Report introduces an innovative approach to evaluating educational outcomes by examining key areas such as Infrastructure & Access, Learning, Inclusion, Governance, and Public Financing across 134 districts. This comprehensive analysis is designed to empower policymakers with the data needed to make targeted, effective decisions, ensuring that resources are allocated to the regions where they are most needed.

Secretary Planning, Mr. Awais Manzur Sumra, addressed the audience at the launch ceremony, emphasizing the report's role in driving transparency and accountability in the education sector. Mr. Sumra highlighted that DEPI will enable policymakers to pinpoint specific challenges and address them with precision, fostering a more equitable distribution of educational resources.

The launch ceremony was graced by the presence of the British High Commission in Pakistan , H.E. Jane Marriott CMG OBE , who offered her praise for the DEPI initiative. Ms. Marriott commended the tool's potential to elevate educational standards by focusing on critical aspects like access, quality, equity, and governance. She emphasized the importance of addressing regional disparities and supporting disadvantaged groups to ensure a brighter future for all children in Pakistan. The UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s educational journey was reaffirmed through targeted funding and expertise.

Mr. Rafi Ullah Kakar, Member Social Sector of the Planning Commission, provided an insightful briefing on the educational challenges facing Pakistan's youth. With 67% of the population under 30, the DEPI Report is crucial for navigating the nation's path towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Mr. Kakar highlighted the significant progress made since the devolution of education to the provinces under the 18th Amendment and Article 25-A of the Constitution. He noted the introduction of compulsory education laws, increased budgetary allocations, and various reforms aimed at enhancing educational governance and data management.

The Hon Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary , the Chief Guest of the Event, delivered a thought-provoking address during the event, underscoring the critical role of education and human resource management in national development. Prof. Iqbal pointed out that no country has achieved significant development with less than 90% literacy, stressing that education and human resource development are vital for sustainable progress.

The Minister also discussed the disparity between Pakistan's economic and social indicators, highlighting the urgent need to improve social indicators to facilitate meaningful development. He reviewed major initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Planning, including curriculum reforms aimed at fostering critical thinking and teacher training programs.

Although some progress was hindered by changes in government, Prof. Iqbal outlined plans to establish state-of-the-art teacher training centers across the country in the coming years.

Prof. Iqbal expressed deep concern over Pakistan's early childhood education and the alarming statistics from the recent census, which revealed that 25 million of the 70 million children in Pakistan are out of school. He emphasized the need for a substantial increase in funding, with a proposed total of PKR 75 billion, to address the issue of out-of-school children. This funding will come from development partners, provincial governments, and the federal government, reflecting a collaborative effort to address the critical challenge.

In closing, Prof. Iqbal urged the media and all stakeholders to shift their focus from divisive issues to pressing national concerns such as education and human resource development. He emphasized that the DEPI report is not merely a collection of numbers but a reflection of the future for Pakistan's children. The Minister called for a united effort to build a better future for the nation’s youth, stressing the importance of peace, political stability, and continuous reform to ensure sustainable progress.

The launch of the DEPI 2023 Report represents a landmark moment in Pakistan's educational reform journey. It provides a valuable framework for addressing disparities, guiding evidence-based policy decisions, and fostering an educational environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.