After the floods: Standing committee urges govt to reconstruct schools

Committee says PTI education reforms have reduced ghost schools across K-P

ABBOTABAD: The K-P Assembly Standing Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education has criticised the federal government for ignoring the reconstruction of schools devastated by floods in 2005.

The committee meeting, held at the K-P House in Abbottabad on Tuesday, decided to approach the federal government once again for the rehabilitation and construction of flood-affected schools.

Transforming ghost schools

It was disclosed during the meeting that the PTI government has introduced reforms in the education department. As a result, the number of ghost schools has reduced enormously across the province, particularly in Hazara Division, over the last three years. The committee also urged relevant officers to direct efforts towards the smooth running of schools which have now been made functional.

Looking ahead

At least 15,445 teachers will also be recruited by the provincial government to overcome the shortage of staff at government schools, its was said during the meeting. However, it was decided teachers would be hired on daily wages. The committee also urged the education department to take over the administration of newly constructed schools and take steps to provide staff and other facilities.



The committee also expressed satisfaction over the biometric verification system introduced at government schools. They said the system would not only help identify ghost schools, but also ensure the attendance of teachers.

The committee’s chairperson, Muhammad Arif, also appreciated the performance of all district education officers of Hazara Division. He recommended all the personnel, who have played their role in reforming the education system, should be allowed to continue their services without further transfers.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 31^st, 2016.