Following a constructive dialogue with the Sindh Education Minister, private school associations across Sindh have decided to call off their planned strike. The minister provided assurances that their grievances, particularly concerning the verification process for “freeship” student data, would be addressed, paving the way for a more transparent and coordinated mechanism.
Private school associations in Sindh have called off their planned strike for January 9, responding to assurances from Sindh Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah. This decision emerged after a delegation from the Grand Alliance of Private Schools Associations met with the minister on Tuesday, where key concerns were addressed, especially regarding the procedures for verifying “freeship” student data.
The freeship rule is a significant provincial mandate, obligating private schools to provide free education to 10 percent of their total enrolled students. The recent meeting, attended by prominent officials including Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Shah and School Education Secretary Zahid Ali Abbasi, focused on fair and effective implementation of this rule.
Representatives of the private school associations voiced serious concerns over the current process for verifying freeship student data, which involves the ACE. They highlighted a crucial distinction between data investigation and transparent verification, citing reports of inappropriate treatment towards school administrations and parents during verification drives in various regions, as noted by SindhNews.com.
Addressing Concerns on Freeship Data Verification
Education Minister Sardar Shah acknowledged the validity of these concerns. He recognised that the absence of a clear, coordinated mechanism for data verification had created difficulties for private school administrations. Shah affirmed the government’s commitment to upholding court decisions while also pledging to devise an effective framework for freeship data verification to ensure all stakeholders’ interests are protected.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the consensus to establish a transparent and coordinated verification mechanism. This new approach will involve the Anti-Corruption Establishment working collaboratively with the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions. The aim is to fully address the worries of school administrations and parents, ensuring no one faces undue hardship during the process.
Minister Shah also commended the positive and instrumental role that private schools play in advancing education throughout Sindh. This collaborative spirit seeks to ensure quality education remains accessible while regulatory processes are fair and equitable.
In conclusion, the decision by private school associations to withdraw their strike signifies a positive stride towards resolving longstanding issues. The commitment from the Sindh Education Minister to create a transparent and coordinated framework for freeship data verification offers hope for a more streamlined and equitable system, benefiting both schools and students in the province.