Islamabad: The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training received authorization to procure 200,000 refurbished Chromebooks for students enrolled in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) institutions and colleges.
This decision was implemented to reduce expenses, as the acquisition of new laptops and Chromebooks incurs significant costs, exceeding Rs200,000 and Rs100,000, respectively.
A refurbished Chromebook is available in the market at a price range of approximately Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000, and the cost would be considerably lower if it is designated for educational purposes.
According to the stipulations outlined in the procurement regulations, there were explicit provisions mandating that all necessary items be acquired in brand-new condition, without having been unsealed from their packaging. It has been requested that an exemption be granted, as the financial burden will be imposed upon the national treasury budget.
The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) acquiesced to this request by authorizing the ministry to procure refurbished Chromebooks via an open competitive tendering process.
This initiative is a component of a broader effort to enhance the educational infrastructure within information and communication technology (ICT) institutions and colleges. The ministry is undertaking the renovation of school facilities and enhancing information technology laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment, which encompasses laptops, smart displays, and Chromebooks.
Significantly, by selecting refurbished Chromebooks, the ministry seeks to furnish a greater number of students with essential information technology devices while adhering to budgetary constraints. This initiative is designed to enhance the quality of education and modernize facilities, thereby ensuring that students are adequately equipped to thrive in the contemporary digital landscape.
