Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah directed the education department to ensure the distribution of 4,453,686 textbooks by August 14, ahead of the reopening of schools in Sindh on August 15. In a meeting held at the CM House, he emphasized the importance of enhancing education standards and increasing school enrollment.
During the meeting, Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah stressed the need for schools to make necessary preparations for the upcoming academic year, including the distribution of textbooks and the implementation of a comprehensive academic plan with preliminary/mock examinations. He said,
The education minister presented a detailed overview of the educational infrastructure in Sindh. The province has 40,991 schools, including 36,203 primary schools, 15,575 middle schools, 1,051 elementary schools, 1,670 secondary schools, and 492 higher secondary schools. The teaching workforce comprises 160,473 teachers, with 107,550 males and 53,051 females. The total student enrollment stands at 5,236,307, including 3,081,696 boys and 2,154,611 girls.
A significant issue discussed was the lack of communication and teaching skills among many teachers. It was proposed that teachers should be required to pass a teaching test every five years to continue their careers.
CM Shah also directed the introduction of an inspection system to improve education standards. He emphasized the need for officials to visit schools, assess teaching and learning procedures, and submit inspection reports to address shortcomings.
The education minister highlighted that 19,808 schools needed rehabilitation. CM Shah noted that the rehabilitation of 4,206 school buildings had been included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) and a three-year plan had been formulated to overhaul the remaining damaged school buildings. Additionally, 5,159 shelter-less schools needed to be provided with buildings.
The education minister also mentioned ongoing efforts to upgrade 36,203 primary schools to the post-primary level. So far, 1,239 primary schools have been upgraded.
The education minister informed the CM that inspection committees had been formed to ensure the implementation of a 10 percent freeship in private schools. Registration and renewal of over 50 schools have been withheld due to non-compliance with this policy. A complaint-redressal center has been established at the directorate level, and instructions have been issued to private schools to teach language subjects, including Sindhi and Urdu.
The CM directed the education department to launch awareness campaigns on media platforms, social media, and the official website regarding the availability of freeship policies. Circulars and letters will be issued to all privately-managed schools.
The meeting was attended by Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah, MPA Seema Khurram, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Principal Secretary to CM Agha Wasif, Education Secretary Zahid Abbasi, College Secretary Asif Ikram, Finance Secretary Fayaz Jatoi, and Sindh Textbook Board Chairman Aleem Lashari.
News Courtesy: Pro Pakistani
