Minister urges parents to enrol children in schools

Says negligent and corrupt officers will not be tolerated in education dept

QUETTA: Balochistan Education Minister Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind has urged parents to come forward and register their children in schools as the new educational year enrolment campaign is set to be kicked off from February 15.

“The secondary education department will take effective measures following new year’s educational enrolment campaign which will be launched from the 15th of this month,” he said. Rind shared these views while chairing a meeting of district education officers in the provincial capital on Tuesday.

The minister said he would personally monitor the campaign and called on the parents to support the government initiative by enrolling their children in schools.

He directed the directors and divisional directors of schools and district education offices to participate in the drive.

“The provincial government has been utilising all available resources for the uplift of education sector in Balochistan,” he said.

“Negligent and corrupt officers will not be tolerated in the education department and I will utilise my personal efforts for the purpose,” he added.

Separately, the Balochistan education minister, who is also the provincial chief of PTI, emphasised that transparency should be maintained during examinations and strict action be taken against those resorting to unfair means.

“A system of bar codes should be introduced during papers. The board should take steps to curb cheating and ensure free and fair conduct of examinations,” he said.

The minister issued these directions in a meeting with the officials of Balochistan Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Quetta.

He stressed on reforming the complaint cell for the timely addressing of candidates’ issues and grievances.

“The punishment and penalty procedures laid out for candidates and administrators shall be modified for better results,” he said.

He sought a report on the action taken against those involved in malpractices during the previous examinations.

“Strict monitoring of mobile phone use and unfair means will be done in partnership with the district administration,” he said.

“Imposition of Section 144 within the limits of examination centres will be strictly implemented and departmental proceedings against perpetrators will be initiated,” he added.

The minister also directed the Balochistan Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education to submit a report on the establishment of new boards. He called for removing the obstacles in the establishment of Makran board and sought a report in this regard after finalisation of recommendations.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12^th, 2020.