Removal of DEO south demanded

Despite the Education Department’s commitment to provide free education, allegations have emerged that the district education officer (DEO) south is demanding money from teachers and parents. The interim education minister has taken notice of this issue and ordered an investigation.

Details reveal that certain high-ranking officials have turned education into a money-minting business. Concerned officers within the education department have submitted a formal complaint to the education minister, requesting the removal of District Education Officer Imtiaz Baghio.

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Teachers and parents have lodged complaints with various authorities, including the minister, secretary, NAB, and anti-corruption agencies, pointing out that instead of offering free education in government schools, substantial sum of money are being collected under various pretexts. This financial burden has been causing significant mental distress to students and parents.

It has come to the light that District Education Officer South, Imtiaz Baghio, collects money from both teachers and parents under the guise of examination fees every three months, with each school allegedly contributing between Rs10,000 to Rs20,000. With approximately 78 government schools in the south district, an estimated Rs1.2 million is collected every quarter.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 11^th, 2023.