Chief Minister Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, has directed authorities to provide desks in all functional government schools across the province, aiming to end the practice of students sitting on mats during classes. The directive was issued to the School Education Department during a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister, where a range of reforms in the education, health and law-and-order sectors were approved.
Reform Agenda for Next Fiscal Year
The meeting also finalised a reform agenda for the next fiscal year. As part of efforts to improve literacy rates, the provincial government decided to introduce double-shift teaching in 900 schools. The meeting also approved an increase in the fixed salaries of teachers working under the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD).
Standardized Materials and New Classrooms
Officials said standardised reading and writing material would be introduced in schools across the province, while additional classrooms would be constructed in 3,000 single-room schools by next year. The chief secretary briefed the meeting on the proposed initiatives.
Expressing concern over conditions in educational institutions, Mr Bugti said children in Balochistan should no longer be forced to sit on the floor and that every student would be provided with a proper desk. He said he would personally inspect schools, including those located in remote and mountainous areas, and warned that officials could face action if students were found sitting on mats after the prescribed deadline.
The chief minister said the government was committed to promoting self-confidence and dignity among children and would take practical measures to improve learning conditions in schools across the province.
