Rural technical, madrasa institutions to get priority for lab equipment

Technical and madrasa educational institutions in remote rural areas will get priority in government allocations of laboratory equipment and supplies, according to a new policy issued by the Education Ministry.

The Technical and Madrasa Education Division published the policy on Wednesday, discouraging institutions in metropolitan and urban areas from seeking such allocations.

Institutions that received no government assistance over the past three years will get priority. Those that received laboratory equipment or transport facilities during the period will not be considered for new allocations.

Selection will be based on student numbers, actual needs, balanced regional distribution and public examination results over the past three years.

The policy also requires a six-member committee at the upazila level to oversee purchases. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) will head the committee, while the concerned institution’s head will serve as member-secretary.

All purchased equipment must be recorded in institutional registers and made available for inspection. Authorities will regularly monitor procurement and use, while any irregularities must be reported to the division or ministry.

However, the Technical and Madrasa Education Division has retained the authority to directly select and allocate funds to any institution in special cases.

-AJM