KARACHI:
The literacy rate and the number of students enrolled in school, college and university have remained significantly low in Pakistan for decades now. One of the main reasons for this is the high fees of educational institutes, which most students cannot afford. Educational institutes do not offer financial aid or scholarships to students — and those that do — only offer a small percentage that does not cover the full fees. In addition, there are few government-led initiatives to support students. Consequently, the burden of covering educational expenses falls on the students and their families because of which many students do not acquire education. Education appears to have become a business given the expenses. Besides paying fees, students are required to purchase expensive course books. At times, students require additional help because of which they are compelled to take tuitions. These large sums discourage students from undertaking education. Due to the absence of rules and regulatory checks on educational institutes, the quality of education has also deteriorated. Students are exploited through extortionate fees for poor quality education.
Education is important for both the growth of individuals and the country. A lack of education reduces the chances of progress and improving prospects because uneducated people get employed for lower-income jobs. Lower rates of literacy also contribute to poverty, lawlessness, criminal activities, and disease. These issues put a considerable strain on the country’s economy as the government is required to allocate large sums of the budget to tackling different issues.
High literacy rates and an educated workforce will contribute to the growth and development of the country. It is imperative that the government considers reforming educational institutes and make it easier for students to acquire education.
Ragni Lund
Sindh
Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2021.
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