Session sees heated debate over facilities at govt-run schools

KARACHI:

Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah informed the provincial assembly that the government has allocated over Rs18 billion for schools and authorised principals to spend funds on daily needs. He was responding to questions during the education department's Q&A session on Friday, chaired by Speaker Syed Owais Qadir Shah.

MQM-P lawmaker Quratulain Khan raised concerns about inadequate science labs for students preparing for matriculation practical exams. The minister acknowledged the shortage, noting that primary schools lack such facilities, and requested an opportunity to present detailed departmental performance data before the House.

Sardar Shah praised opposition members who have "adopted" schools to improve them, but admitted many buildings require urgent repairs, with roofs damaged by rainwater seepage. MQM-P's Sabir Qaimkhani highlighted collapsed roofs in his constituency.

The minister revealed Karachi has over 1,800 schools, with more than 16 million children eligible for education. He said the government spends Rs47,000 annually per child in public schools, but lamented that 92% of the education budget goes to salaries and pensions.