KARACHI:
Education plays an important role in the progress and development of any society. It is a fundamental right guaranteed by the state. Unfortunately, the province of Balochistan is lagging in education due to administrative negligence and incompetence.
More than 3,000 government-run schools in the province are non-functional. Approximately, 10,000 teaching positions have been lying vacant for years. Although the provincial government claims to have allocated sufficient resources to the education department, we have not seen any improvements. Corruption and mismanagement within government departments have destroyed the education system. Most school buildings are in deplorable conditions. They do not have roofs, basic furniture items or toilets and sanitation. Some schools are run by one or a few teachers making it difficult for them to manage and provide quality education to all students. The curriculum is outdated, and students do not have access to the latest textbooks or technology.
Most families see little purpose in sending their children to schools. Resultantly, nearly, 70% of the children in Balochistan are out of school. The provincial government must not turn a blind eye to the matter and overhaul the education department. Officials should be appointed on merit and must be directed to fulfil their duties responsibly. Vacant teaching positions should be filled through the national testing service. The department should track ghost teachers and stop paying salaries to them. School buildings must be repaired, and the curriculum should be updated. The provincial government must urgently resolve the education crisis in Balochistan and bring children back to school.
Noreen Anwar
Turbat
Published in The Express Tribune, March 29th, 2023.
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