Balochistan approves sweeping reforms to boost literacy, overhaul primary education system

WEB DESK: The Balochistan government has approved a series of wide-ranging policy reforms aimed at improving educational standards, increasing literacy rates, and upgrading basic facilities in public schools across the province.

The decisions were taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, where reforms relating to education, health, and law and order were reviewed and approved ahead of their formal presentation in the upcoming provincial cabinet meeting.

Key measures include the introduction of double-shift schooling in selected institutions, abolition of the compulsory uniform requirement at the primary level, and the declaration of primary schools as “gender-free” institutions to ensure equal access for boys and girls.

Officials also agreed on the introduction of standardised reading and writing materials across government schools, alongside a major infrastructure push to address longstanding shortages in classrooms and furniture.

The meeting was informed that additional rooms will be constructed in 3,000 single-room schools over the next year, while desks will be provided to all functional public schools to replace traditional floor seating arrangements.

Push for infrastructure and teaching reforms

The government has also decided to launch double-shift teaching in 900 schools as part of efforts to expand enrolment capacity and address teacher shortages.

Fixed salaries for teachers working under the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) were also reviewed, with consensus reached on a significant increase after years of stagnation.

Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan briefed the meeting on ongoing and planned interventions, noting that improved learning materials and infrastructure upgrades would be central to the reform agenda.

A province-wide campaign to eliminate the long-standing “taat culture” in schools was also approved, ensuring that all students are provided with desks for classroom learning.

Chief minister orders strict monitoring of schools

Expressing concern over poor facilities in some areas, Chief Minister Bugti remarked that it was regrettable that children were still being made to sit on mats in parts of the province.

He directed officials to ensure that no such practice continues, stating that every child must have access to proper seating arrangements.

The chief minister further announced that he would personally visit remote schools to monitor progress and warned that strict action would be taken if the directives were not implemented within the stipulated timeframe.

He also indicated that surprise inspections, including visits to hard-to-reach areas, would be conducted to ensure compliance with reform measures.

Reiterating the importance of dignity and self-confidence among students, Bugti said improving the learning environment was essential for long-term educational progress in the province.