The Minister informed the head of state on the ministry’s current activities and the implementation of the instructions given by the President.
Nursultan Nazarbayev noted that the government allocated US$ 1.5 trillion for this sector in the current year. At the same time, there is a shortage of school places, schools in disrepair, a three-shift teaching applied. In this regard, it is necessary to monitor efficient utilization of funds for construction of facilities, including within the framework of social responsibility of business.
“In East Kazakhstan region there are 52 schools that need emergency cleanup, but in 2013 the construction of the Palace of Boxing and Wrestling has been funded by extra-budgetary sources in the amount of KZT 1.5 billion. We have 48 schools in a state of disrepair in South Kazakhstan region, at the same time the funds from extra-budgetary sources and local budget for 2012-2013 in the amount of KZT 500 million were channeled for the construction of the Celebration Hall. In Kyzylorda region there are 25 schools in disrepair, but KZT 1.3 billion had been spent last year for the construction of the Ice Arena. All these objects are also essential for the population, however, we should identify the priorities, key among which are restoration of schools in disrepair and elimination of a three-shift system in schools,” the head of state said.
The President also emphasised the need to clearly understand the principles of autonomy of universities.
Nursultan Nazarbayev stressed that education today is the most important issue in the development, including innovation development.
“School, vocational and higher education is of great importance for our young people. To develop the system of dual education in the country, we need to explore the European experience,” the President of Kazakhstan highlighted.
Moreover, the President instructed to pay special attention to the sphere of science, in particular, to improve the work of scientific councils, the decisions of which often lack objectivity.
The President also charged the ministry to increase the coverage of preschool education and improve the quality of education in universities and efficient allocation of state educational grants.
The Minister pointed out that within the framework of the Balapan Programme during three years, the coverage of children by preschool education will be 80 per cent. In three years it is planned to solve the three-shift teaching and schools disrepair problems in almost all the regions. In South Kazakhstan and Almaty regions, regions with large population, this issue will be settled by 2017.
Following the meeting, the head of state gave a number of specific instructions.
