Revitalizing Education in Sindh: Government Lifts Ban on Private School Registrations

Revitalizing Education in Sindh: Government Lifts Ban on Private School Registrations

Lifting of the Ban on Private School Registration

The interim government of Sindh has recently lifted the ban on the registration of private educational institutions, marking a significant turning point for education in the province. After a series of meetings led by the interim chief minister, a new focus has been placed on education policies and structural improvements for educational institutions across the province.

Setting New Standards for Schools

Concurrent with the lifting of the ban, the government has also introduced stringent rules and regulations for the registration of schools. The move aims to uphold the quality of education and ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students.

The Directorate of Inspection & Registration of Private Institutions, under the leadership of Rafia Javed, has issued an official notification specifying key registration criteria for private schools. The notification outlines minimum plot areas for schools in different locations, along with specific room requirements. For instance, pre-primary and elementary schools in suburban areas must be built on a minimum plot area of 200 yards, while those in posh areas require at least 400 yards. Secondary or O-level schools have stricter requirements, demanding a minimum plot area of 400 yards in suburban areas and 600 yards in upmarket areas.

Infrastructure and Facility Requirements

According to the notification, school buildings must have a certain number of rooms. Schools in posh areas of Karachi are required to have at least 10 rooms in the RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) building, while secondary and O-level schools should have at least 15 rooms. The notification also mandates that the school administration must possess a building map approved by the authorities.

The government has also emphasized the need for well-equipped science and computer labs, libraries with a complete range of books, clean toilets, and boundary walls. Schools are also required to have CCTV cameras for security purposes, and to ensure the safety of students.

Elevating the Role of the Special Secretary (Schools)

In a separate development, the Sindh School Education & Literacy Department has bestowed more authority upon the special secretary (schools). The official is now empowered to deal with various issues related to primary and secondary schools. This includes making decisions on employee retirements, leaves, inter-departmental transfers, and more, up to the BS-20 level.

An Era of Educational Reform

The lifting of the ban on private school registrations, coupled with the introduction of stringent regulations, marks the beginning of a new era in Sindh’s education sector. While the move opens the door for the establishment of new private schools, the regulations seek to ensure these institutions meet high standards of quality and safety. This is indeed a monumental step towards improving the educational landscape in Karachi, and across the province of Sindh, by guaranteeing a quality educational environment for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background.