KARACHI:
Even though corruption is at its peak across the country, it is particularly high in Sindh. This is exemplified by the deplorable education situation in the province. According to estimates, there are at least 11,000 ghost schools in Sindh that are registered on paper, but in reality, these schools do not exist. However, teachers’ salaries, maintenance charges, and cash for other student services are regularly drawn from the treasury department.
Government negligence and corruption within the authoritative departments are threatening the futures of nearly seven million children who cannot go to school. Most schools do not have any faculty or administration in remote and rural areas due to which students are compelled to stay home and instead work. Poverty and mobility issues further prevent families from sending their children to schools elsewhere.
Even the most supreme state institutions have failed to act against the high levels of corruption. Unfortunately, it is the poor who have to bear the brunt of this inaction. The ongoing political turmoil in the country has further side-lined all other issues. Therefore, students across Sindh cannot expect support or relief any time soon. The Sindh government must pay heed to the poor education situation and work with the federal education department to reform the education system in the province.
Syed Sadaqat Hussain
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, December 10th, 2022.
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