Scouts to get separate scheme, Tk5cr to be added to budget: Milon

Students who achieve GPA-5 in SSC and HSC examinations and are involved in scouting will receive support under a separate scheme, Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has said.

The government will also allocate an additional Tk5 crore for scouting activities in the budget, he said while addressing a reception for meritorious scouts who secured GPA-5 in the SSC and HSC examinations at the auditorium of the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka this morning (2 September).

The education minister said the government has taken steps to increase the budget for scouting and introduce a separate scheme for scouts.

“We will add Tk5 crore to the budget to increase funding for scouts. God willing, we have taken a separate scheme for scouting,” he said.

He said scouting helps students develop leadership, discipline, a sense of justice and patriotism, while also fostering a spirit of sacrifice for the country. Such activities should therefore be expanded, he added.

“Meritorious students must be honoured. There is no alternative to it,” Milan said, adding that students who achieve good results would be rewarded and recognised.

He said the current generation of students will build the Bangladesh of the future, stressing the need to develop their skills and talent to turn the country’s population into human resources.

The minister also urged students not to compromise their morality and values despite achieving good academic results. 

He encouraged them to respect their parents and teachers and practise discipline and good values alongside their studies.

He said students are being encouraged from the primary level to participate in sports and social activities to help address drug addiction and moral degradation. 

The education system has also incorporated sports, a “sports culture” and enjoyable learning, he added.

Mahdi Amin, prime minister’s adviser, said senior secretaries and other senior government officials attending the event have an important role in formulating policies to expand scouting activities and provide greater opportunities and facilities for scouts.