KARACHI:
Privatisation has become an important phenomenon in the country’s education sector. Within the last few decades, private schools have almost tripled across the country. The widespread increase in private schooling has eased pressure on the government to meet the increasing demand and relieved it of excessive costs. However, the outcome of this will not be favourable for the country’s long-term growth and development.
The foremost thing to consider is that private education is not affordable for everyone. Due to this, many children do not receive any education in the absence of public schools. It is also difficult to guarantee the quality of teaching in private institutions as they do not follow a uniform curriculum. Relevant government institutions have failed to monitor the standard of education in these schools. Resultantly, despite paying hefty fees, students fail to perform well in board and intermediate exams and are unable to gain admission at universities.
The absence of a strong public education system and sub-par private schools have worsened the literacy rate in the country. The federal and provincial education departments should monitor and regulate the education standards in private schools. To improve literacy rates and bring children back to schools, we need a uniform public education system. Students should be provided with quality education and scholarships to keep them motivated and improve both the students’ and the country’s prospects.
Mahtillah Hasil Khan
Turbat
Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2023.
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