Stark divide between public, private sector jobs over the level of education and skillset required is wider than ever
KARACHI: In the Third World developing countries from South Asia, government jobs or ‘sarkari naukri’ are always believed to be a long-term investment, where one invests in the least knowledge, skills and competence to have returns for a life time. Unfortunately, in Pakistan the stark divide between the public and private sector jobs over the level of education and skillset required is wider than ever.
A good case to define the predicament is the CSS examination. Although the examination leaves less room for critical thinking and test of analytical skills, a majority of candidates fail to pass what could merely be called as the reproduction of the text of the books. Pretty much like subcultures existing within the educational or various work environments, many who manage to clear the examination belong to a specific social class and educational backgrounds. The majority appearing for the exams holding domiciles of the interior regions of the provinces mostly opt for District Management Group or the police.
Another reason to choose civil service examinations are the perks that the job brings making one a part of the bureaucratic hierarchy. It entitles one to a sense of superiority, power and authority along with the benefits one continues to enjoy for a lifetime. Civil services have always been one prestigious and esteemed work realm, demanding intellect and high academic qualification as a prerequisite. But owing to various reasons, including the out-dated exam structure and students’ incompetence, civil services is another public sector area that is facing the worst decline.
Mohsin Ilyas
Published in The Express Tribune, August 13th, 2017.
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