Education in shambles

Education is crucial for the economic development, social awakening and political maturity of a nation. Unless we keenly focus on this key sector, attainment of the cherished goal of an enlightened, peaceful and robust society will be a hard nut to crack. It is the most key infrastructure upon which the edifice of the entire nation is erected. Our government, albeit fully cognizant of its significance, seems least interested in promoting education in the country. The allocation of 1.91 per cent of GDP for this important sector and over 25 million out of school children indicate a lukewarm response on the part of the government towards education. How can quality be boosted and the literacy rate be enhanced if such a meagre amount is invested in the sector that is the essence of all other state institutions? Timely printing and procurement of free books for students under Article 25-A of the constitution, which guarantees free and compulsory education between the ages of five and sixteen, is indispensable for their academic development and early completion of the lengthy syllabus.

Guldar Ali Khan Wazir

Zhob