ISLAMABAD, June 20 (ABC): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is expanding its Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme to 300 middle schools as part of broader efforts to strengthen education, nutrition and child development services.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Government of AJK has directed development investments towards maternal and child health, early childhood development, livestock development, agricultural diversification and food safety infrastructure.
The government is implementing the Early Childhood Development Programme (Phase-III) in 300 middle schools at a total cost of Rs90.1 million. It has allocated Rs43.6 million for the current year. Moreover, the programme is one of several nutrition-sensitive initiatives underway in the region.
The report states that AJK is also implementing Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Services. The project carries a total cost of Rs397.3 million and an allocation of Rs59.1 million.
Agriculture and livestock projects underway
Meanwhile, the government is implementing the Sheep and Goat Development Programme with a total cost of Rs60.15 million. It has allocated Rs45.8 million for the project.
Similarly, the Agro-Ecological Based Fruit, Vegetable and Agriculture Development as Enterprise project carries a total cost of Rs64.8 million. The allocation for the project stands at Rs4.01 million.
Food safety infrastructure strengthened
In addition, the government is establishing three Mobile Food Testing Laboratories at divisional headquarters across AJK. The initiative has a total project cost of Rs107.2 million and an allocation of Rs18.2 million.
Overall, these initiatives form part of AJK’s broader development strategy. The strategy focuses on child development, nutrition, food safety, agriculture and health services.
