Education ministry delegates administrative authority to principals

Islamabad:In a major policy shift, the education ministry has empowered heads of the public sector schools and colleges in Islamabad Capital Territory by devolving administrative and financial powers in the federal education system to them.

That authority previously rested with the Federal Directorate of Education, the regulator for the capital's government educational institutions. The initiative, a brainchild of the recently-appointed education secretary, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, comes as part of comprehensive educational reforms in Islamabad at the longstanding demand of principals. He told 'The News' that the financial and administrative empowerment of principals would do away with bureaucratic hurdles to the smooth functioning of Islamabad's schools and colleges and thus, enabling them to further the cause of formal learning.

Principals lauded the ‘significant policy move’ by the education ministry, saying it will not only streamline processes in educational institutions but also enhance their efficiency and productivity. They complained that previously, teachers encountered bureaucratic hurdles, having to navigate through the FDE for even minor issues such as the obtaining of NOCs for passports, pilgrimage permissions, and processing applications for grants and loans. The principals insisted centralisation of the federal education system often resulted in unnecessary delays and bottlenecks impacting its efficiency and effectiveness.

"Through this new system of financial and administrative empowerment, I see a rapid improvement in the functioning of educational institutions, removal of unnecessary bureaucratic channels, and permission for teachers to focus on their core responsibilities," a college head told 'The News'. In a letter to the secretary, principals of 16 colleges promised unwavering support to him for the advancement of education as a vital step in the nation's quest for economic, social, and national excellence.

They promised to utilise the newfound autonomy to meet the challenges of the day and strive for academic excellence. President of the Federal Government College Teachers Association Dr Rahima Rehman also lauded the move, foreseeing positive changes in educational institutions due to the empowerment of principals with administrative and financial powers.

"This paradigm shift in policy will definitely bring about dynamic and positive changes, enhancing efficiency and productivity within the federal education sector," she said. Heads Association of Federal Government Schools Islamabad president Fazal Maula and general secretary Mansoor Ahmed Shah praised the education secretary for empowering the heads of government educational institutions for ‘better, quick and timely decisions.’

"This action of yours has developed a sense of ownership among the heads and has greatly inspired them to work with more dedication and commitment towards the noble cause of spreading the light of education. The association leaders said reforms introduced by the secretary had given a new push and energy to the teaching and non-teaching community in Islamabad to enrol all out-of-school children.