KARACHI:
A few months ago, the Sindh government announced vacancies for primary school teachers and junior elementary school teachers in a bid to reform the education system in the province. The recruitment test was conducted by Sukkur IBA Testing Services (STS). Approximately, 300,000 candidates appeared in the recruitment test for 37,000 posts.
The recruitment criteria required candidates to gain more than 60% marks. However, a majority of the candidates either failed or received less than 60% marks. Consequently, many vacancies remained empty. This compelled the government to further reduce the requirement for passing marks to fill vacancies. One cannot help but wonder how the government expects any improvements in the education system when it has hired a large number of underqualified teachers. The relevant government department should have undertaken the test again to ensure that the most worthy and competent individuals are hired.
If anything, this shows the Sindh government’s blatant disregard for the province’s youth and their future. No wonder Sindh has consistently fared poorly in terms of education. Across the province, school buildings are in a deplorable state and lack basic facilities. Those responsible for regulating and overseeing school administrations are busy with their corruption. The government’s negligence is depriving thousands of students across Sindh of quality education. It is high time that the Sindh government fulfils its responsibility in earnest and facilitates the youth of Sindh by improving educational facilities.
Muhammad Osaf
Sukkur
Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2023.
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