Chaos in education

Contrary to the universally-acknowledged maxim that health and education must be at top of the priority list of governments, these two sectors are being dealt with in a cavalier fashion.

Reports about the prevailing sorry state of affairs at government hospitals and colleges in Sindh province and its capital, Karachi, depict a dismally dim picture. It looks like corrupt officials are out to destroy these two sectors of primary significance. Sindh University is reportedly heading for a financial collapse as only Rs2 million are left in its bank account. There are reports that principals of many colleges in Karachi have been deprived of financial powers and this authority has been given to unconcerned officials allegedly arbitrarily by the relevant official. In some cases, powers of drawing and disbursing college funds have been transferred to clerks. The absence of powers to draw and disburse funds has resulted in a situation where colleges are lacking funds to pay the staff salaries. Even principals have remained unpaid for months. This problem has forced many colleges to shut science labs and many are unable to meet day-to-day expenses.

The issue has also come under fire from the Sindh Professors and Lecturers Association, and they have said the whole thing smacks of corruption. Taking away powers of drawing and disbursing funds from college principals might leave teachers demoralised thus further harming the quality of instruction at the level of higher education. The state of education at all levels is already unsatisfactory due to well-known reasons. Teachers should be paid satisfactory salaries to increase their self-esteem in society as well as among students. Unfortunately, the present situation might only force teachers to work with low self-esteem. This will in no way help make teachers and students co-learners. This will defeat the primary aim of education. A week ago, the relevant department issued a notification to restore the financial authority of college principals. It, however, remains to be seen how it is being implemented.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 29^th, 2020.

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