Balochistan to recruit 9,000 schoolteachers

QUETTA:

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has announced the recruitment of 9,000 teachers on a contract basis in an attempt to improve the state of government-run schools across the province.

Addressing a press conference at the CM Secretariat, Bugti emphasized that the results, prepared by Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University, would be the basis for the recruitments.

He clarified that all positions would be on a contractual rather than permanent basis, reflecting his administration’s broader policy preference.

“Education is the top priority of my government and there will be no compromise on it,” the CM said. Mir Zahoor Buledi, Ali Madad Jattak and other ministers were also present on the occasion.

“My personal approach and desire is to recruit people on contract in the education and health departments in Balochistan,” Bugti stated. He said he believed the approach would introduce much-needed change and flexibility within the system.

He also said that, to ensure fairness and transparency, a committee of senior officers of repute would be formed to conduct candidate interviews.

The Chief Minister underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing teacher presence in schools and maximizing student enrolment.

Bugti also revealed that efforts were being made to collaborate with Punjab to improve education indicators in Balochistan.

However, the decision to hire teachers on contract has not been without controversy, with candidates who had been expecting regular appointments protesting against the contractual nature of the new positions.

As a result, demonstrations have erupted, with many arguing that contractual jobs offered less job security and fewer benefits as compared to permanent appointments. Despite the protests, however, Bugti has remained resolute, asserting that the contractual approach would help address immediate staffing needs while providing flexibility for future adjustments.

The recruitment drive is part of a broader strategy to uplift educational standards in Balochistan that aims to ensure that qualified teachers are available to provide quality education and thereby improve literacy and educational outcomes in the province.

Therefore, the government’s proactive measures, though contentious, do seem to signify a robust step towards educational reform in the region.

Earlier this month, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti had ordered that vacancies for 92 veterinary doctors in the livestock department be advertised to ensure employment opportunities for the province’s educated youth after a representative delegation of the Balochistan Veterinary Doctors Association had in a meeting apprised him of the lack of jobs as well as other issues they are currently facing.

Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan and Livestock Secretary Muhammad Tayyab Lehri had also been present in the meeting.

The Chief Minister had said on the occasion that interest-free loans would be provided to Balochistan’s veterinary doctors under a soft loan programme which would enable veterinary doctors to set up their own service centres in the field and provide services to livestock owners at their doorstep.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2024.