The Sindh Education Department woke up from its slumber following the Sindh High Court's orders for action against ghost teachers.
Fearing raids by Civil Judges and Judicial Magistrates, District Education Officer (DEO) South Kamal Kumar issued eight new orders to the Headmasters and Principals of schools and colleges in his jurisdiction.
They have been directed to review the number of teaching and non-teaching staff at their respective educational institutions daily, ensure their attendance through biometric verification, ban the use of mobile phones by teachers and students, and report absenting staff to the Director, so that action can be taken against them.
While talking to The Express Tribune, DEO South Kamal Kumar admitted that there was a need for reforms in the education sector and efforts were being made to rectify problems as soon as possible.
The SHC directed the District Magistrates and Civil Judges one week ago to conduct surprise visits to schools and colleges to implement its orders, Kumar said, adding that they prepared a roadmap on December 10 which will be implemented from December 12, 2022.
The Sindh Education Secretary has informed the SHC that they have identified 1,645 teachers who are absent from duty, out of which 1,481 have been issued show-cause notices.
While submitting a written report on ghost teachers in the SHC, the Education Secretary said that action against the absent teachers would be taken by December 31.
The court questioned why no action was taken against the ghost teachers before the court order. The court expressed displeasure at not getting a satisfactory response. The court inquired about what modern procedures have been adopted to ensure the attendance of teachers and students.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 12th, 2022.
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