Balochistan promises merit-based hiring

As the Balochistan government sets itself to reopen as many as 3,000 closed schools, the province's chief minister has emphasised ensuring 100% merit in contract-based appointments within the education department.

Speaking over the phone with Dera Bugti Deputy Commissioner Zohaibul Haq on Tuesday, he firmly stated that no compromises on merit would be tolerated.

The CM stressed that appointments must strictly adhere to eligibility criteria, ensuring that only deserving candidates are hired. He instructed that FIRs be lodged against applicants presenting fake degrees.

"There will be no preferences or biases; even opponents will be appointed if they meet the merit requirements," said CM Bugti.

Deputy Commissioner Zohaibul Haq assured that the recruitment process would be transparent, and in line with government directives. He added that district education officers have been tasked with verifying academic credentials thoroughly. "Immediate action will be taken against candidates found using bogus degrees," the DC assured.

The Balochistan government is also gearing up to reopen 3,000 schools across the province. Thousands of teachers are to be hired on a contract basis to meet the increasing demand for education and boost enrollment rates.

This initiative reflects the government's commitment to improving the education sector and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Balochistan faces a severe educational crisis characterized by a significant number of closed schools and a high dropout rate. As of September 2024, official data indicates that approximately 3,694 schools have ceased operations due to a critical shortage of teachers. This includes 254 schools in Pishin, 251 in Khuzdar, and 152 in Quetta.

The province's education system is further strained by infrastructural deficiencies. Reports reveal that 1,964 schools lack proper buildings, and about 0.8 million children of school-going age are not being educated.

Additionally, many schools operate with minimal resources as around 11,000 schools lack electricity, approximately 10,000 schools lack water facilities, and 1,800 are bereft of washrooms.