NAB urged to root out corruption from education dept

Education minister pledges action against ghost teachers

QUETTA: The newly sworn in Balochistan Secondary Education Minister Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind has urged National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to embark action against corruption cases in the province vowing to ensure merit in the education department.

Addressing a news conference, the minister announced action against ghost teachers and employees.

“My first priority will be to identify ghost teachers and employees harming public exchequer and force the recovery of the amount,” said Rind.

Expressing reservations over NAB’s slow actions in Balochistan Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind said, unfortunately NAB’s processing was too prolonged when the watchdog probes corruption in Balochistan.

“The anti-corruption watchdog has commenced actions against corrupt mafia in other three provinces but has not taken any action against corruption in Balochistan,” he said.

Rind said complete coordination with media would help eradicating corruption and irregularities in education department.

The minister also pledged major changes in education department’s affairs within two weeks added the new departmental policy would be unveiled in 14 days.

He stressed utilisation of funds in next three years and vowed to invest his expertise for the development of people of Balochistan.

“I will support and encourage honest and efficient officers in the education department and provide them personal assistance any time,” said the minister.

In response to a question related to protest and strike calls by teachers’ associations, the minister said that Balochistan has approved an act to bar teachers from strikes and protests. However, he vowed to address valid issues of the teaching staff.

Emphasising importance of education, Rind said, “Access to education will be ensured for every child in Balochistan because it is the only key to steer the province out from deprivation and backwardness.”

Rind was accompanied by Secretary Education Tayyab Lehri.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th, 2020.