Ghost schools

Despite the imposition of an educational emergency by the Balochistan government, the literacy rate in Balochistan has declined by three percent. The decline in the literacy rate proves that there are serious flaws in the approach of the provincial government in dealing with literacy in the province. According to the data issued by the province’s education department data, there are over 5,000 single-room primary schools in the province. A single teacher is appointed to teach all compulsory subjects to students. The data further revealed the gruesome situation of the province’s education sector. Over 2,000 schools are without a roof or windows, compelling students to study in the open air. What is more astonishing is the fact that the province has approximately 1,500 ghost schools. The Balochistan Minister for Education Rahim Ziaratwal has said that the department failed to identify close to 1,500 schools during the verification process.

The chief minister of Balochistan has taken notice of the matter and ordered an inquiry into the matter of missing teachers and ghost schools across the province. He has also ordered the commissioners to punish those involved in the creation of ghost schools. It is heartening that the chief minister has taken a timely notice of the situation. People who are insensitively playing with the future of our children should be held accountable. The authorities must take concrete steps to improve the province’s education.

Abdul Zahir