Students, teachers protest against launch of 4-year BS programme

* PPLA president says protest will continue if decisions not taken back

* Senior teacher claims govt implemented decision without consulting teaching body

Staff Report

LAHORE: A large number of college teachers, students unions and civil society members, on Tuesday, gathered in front of MAO College and protested against the launch of a four-year BS honours programme in 26 colleges across the province.

Teachers shouted slogans against the launch of the programme, and claimed that setting up of Board of Governors (BoG) in these colleges was a step towards privatisation.

Punjab Professor and Lecturers Associations (PPLA) President Dr Zahid Sheikh said teachers and students likewise would continue to protest against this measure and even boycott the educational institutions concerned if necessary. He said this move could deprive underprivileged students of education, as the college fees would obviously be increased after the privatisation act.

The Punjab Higher Education departments had recently given instructions for the introduction of a BS programme in 26 colleges across the province, whereas six colleges across the city were also selected for introducing the BS. The teachers have been holding protests against this decision across the province ever since.

On Tuesday, teachers and students blocked The Mall, shouted slogans and demanded the government take back its decision regarding the BS programme. Protesters later reached the Punjab Assembly and delivered speeches there against the government decisions.

Consulting: According to a senior member of a teaching organisation, the government has implemented this decision without even completing the related paperwork and without consulting any of the teachers concerned.

“We are consulting our lawyers and will take the matter to court if necessary,” Dr Zahid said.

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