NA committee wants ICT evening schools regularised

* Students and teachers on evening shift should enjoy equal benefits as day scholars and faculty
* Promotion of teacher-training programmes crucial, says committee

By Irfan Ghauri

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s (NA) Standing Committee on Education has recommended the Education Ministry regularise evening shifts in federal government schools and model colleges of the federal capital territory as well as appoint teachers on a permanent basis.

In a meeting on Wednesday chaired by MNA Begum Tehmina Dasti, the committee also recommended that students and teachers of the evening shift be given similar benefits enjoyed during morning shifts. The government announced on March 31 that it would not charge tuition fees from students of the federal government and model schools. Free books for some classes and various scholarships were also introduced for students. However, the decision was not implemented in evening shifts as these schools have no regular status and their students are employed on daily wages.

Parents of students on evening shifts have demanded that they be extended the recently announced benefits. Teachers working on daily wages have demanded their regularisation. Begum Dasti told Daily Times that committee members appreciated the successful experience of evening shifts in schools, adding that they should be regularised and more schools be part of the network to facilitate more students.

She said evening shifts in these schools had started on parents’ demands. However, as it had proved successful, it should be expanded, she said. She said these schools did not enjoy government funding, adding that the committee had demanded the government recognise their efficiency by providing them with the benefits of the morning shift. The committee also recommended that students be given admission to model schools near their respective residences to resolve transportation problems.

The Education Ministry also briefed the committee on the shortage of transport facilities in rural areas schools. The committee recommended that 7 to 12 vans be provided to such schools.

The ministry told the meeting that English has been made a compulsory subject in all federal schools from class 1 while science and mathematics would be taught in English medium schools. Committee members stressed the promotion of teacher training programs in accordance with modern scientific teaching methods. They also called for the preparation of a syllabus free from sectarian materials. Some members suggested that schools should hold separate classes for ethical training.