Negligence: Govt Degree College Wana in shambles

Only six teachers at degree level occasionally show up at work

DI KHAN: The rundown Government Degree College Wana is buckling under problems which keep on piling up. The college has recently been facing embezzlement of funds and negligence by authorities.

Students of the college have urged the K-P government to address these issues on a priority as the college is literally in ruins, they say.  While highlighting the matter, Shabbir Ahmad, a second-year medical student and student union president, said, “We face a lot of issues, both academic and others.”

He added, “There is no transport [facility] for students; the two hostels in the college are filthy and unusable.”  Ahmad said, “Even the college playground and building are falling apart.” According to the student union president, “It is the government’s responsibility to address the issues.” He added, “We have already submitted a written complaint to the political administration and also protested but these issues are yet to be resolved.” Ahmad said, “Stuff like sports material, funds and others which are provided to the college is misappropriated by government officials.”

College history and strength

The college is located west of Wana Bazaar and was established by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1974 as part of his development initiative in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

At least 1,500 students are enrolled in the college but few of them attend due to shortage of teaching staff. For intermediate courses, there are 27 teachers of whom 13 are regulars and 14 serve on an ad hoc basis.  The ad hoc teachers are said to seldom show up to work. For degree course, there are only six teachers who rarely attend college; some have never even been to the premises.

Cultural night

Students of Government Degree College Wana organised a ‘Cultural Night’ late Friday to celebrate the end of a two-day study tour. The programme was held in Rafi Hall, DI Khan. ANP’s senior leader Pir Noman was the chief guest on the occasion. Other politicians and social workers such as Ali Wazir, Imran Mukhlas Wazir, Ayaz Wazir, Allah Noor Nangayallai and Naimat Wazir also attended the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10^th, 2016.