Sindh CM forms body to monitor private schools working

KARACHI: Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, has constituted a committee comprising parliamentarians, notable citizens and educationists to monitor and bring the working of private school management within the rules of Sindh Private School Institution Control Act. Responding to the submissions forwarded by a delegation of lawmakers that met him Thursday, the chief minister directed the authority concerned to re-visit the existing rules of Private School Institution Control Act and remove lacuna if any besides that this is otherwise strictly followed. Syed Qaim Ali Shah directed the Additional Chief Secretary for Education to call an urgent meeting of the private school management and provide immediate relief to the parents of children studying in private schools that have reportedly resorted to sudden raise in their fees. MPAs Khurram Sher Zaman, Hafeezuddin and Dr. Seema Zia, Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Shah, Special Assistant to CM Waqar Mehdi and Rashid Rabbani and additional Chief Secretary for Education Fazal Pechuho were also present in the meeting. The chief minister on the occasion said there could be no argument and compromise in matters related to health and education as these are the general issues of wellbeing for any society. He said that the Sindh Assembly has already adopted "Private School and Educational Institutions Control Act," with comprehensive rules to regulate these institutions. Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that under the existing laws, management of private schools cannot increase school fees beyond 5 per cent without the permission of the Education department. He assured the delegation that no one will be allowed to violate the law and made it clear that enforcement of private school institution law, does not mean to discourage private investment in school education but is aimed at maintaining the fee structure of these schools to a reasonable level and largely affordable for parents. The chief minister said that since assuming power the PPP has worked hard to improve the standard of government schools. He on the occasion invited the delegation to also submit their proposals pertaining to development in Karachi. --APP