Education reforms

LARKANA: The Higher Education Commission, (HEC) in consultation with a select section of experts, has come up with certain recommendations to phase out existing two years BA/BSc and MA/MSc (along with honours) programmes by 2018 and 2020, respectively. A mechanism is being worked out to accommodate the students doing these degrees. Similarly, commonly used abbreviations for 18 years programmes such as MS/ MPhil are being examined towards meeting uniform and international standards.

The question arises, are we prepared for the process? Unfortunately, the HEC has failed to maintain a liason, especially with provincial governments and as result getting to the goals remains a far cry.

The shadows of uncertainty seem further lengthening for college education in the wake of recommendations in question. Most colleges offering undergraduate degrees do not have the capacity to entertain semester-based 16-year programmes. Other mandatory facilities apart, the college side faculty has never been provided with the privilege to enhance their scholastic attainment. Right from seeking admission permission to MS/Phil to study leave, the whole procedure remains nerve wrecking for a college teacher. Isn’t it the worst kind of discrimination that a college teacher is granted study leave following a rotten “half average pay” formula, whereas university teachers enjoy fully funded foreign scholarships besides all perks and privileges at home.

Furthermore, we need to seek remedial measures and education reforms right from the roots. We need to have practical and futuristic approach towards education. It’s high time for the central and provincial governments to sit together and come with an umbrella policy covering all levels of education, with special care for the elementary schooling.

Waheed Tunio

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2017.

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