KARACHI, Aug 20: Sindh Education and Literacy Minister Dr Hamida Khuhro has asked the district educational heads in the province to maintain discipline and education-friendly environment in schools and other institutions in their respective areas.

Talking to a delegation of parents at her office on Friday, the minister further said that a lack of discipline on part of administrations of educational institutions was among major factors responsible for decline in educational standards.

Dr Khuhro said that the school uniform also imparted discipline among children, and the policy regarding the uniform should be followed in letter and spirit. She made it clear that without community participation, the education-friendly environment in the schools, colleges and varsities could not be maintained.

She stressed the role of school management committees in making the teachers punctual, and also for encouraging those who were dedicated to their jobs. The minister also held a meeting with all the sectional heads of education department's secretariat, in the Committee Room.

She said that it was general view that the department's working was slack, and the SOs and their staff did not pay heed to public complaints, nor they give positive response to officials of the department with regard to their service problems, unless their palms were greased.

In this regard, she quoted that after taking over as minister, she forwarded hundreds of references but 99 per cent of these were still in pending. She warned the officers that such trend would not be tolerated, and severe disciplinary actions, under E&D rules would be initiated against inefficient and corrupt officials.

Meanwhile, Dr Hamida Khuhro has invited writers, intellectuals and opinion leaders to discuss present education scenario in Sindh and to suggest steps to reform the education sector on Aug 25 at the Circuit House, Hyderabad.

According an official press release issued on Friday, Dr Khuhro is very keen to ensure quality and standard education for Sindh people. Another meeting with the officers of the Education department would be held on Aug 24.

During her tour to Hyderabad, the minister would visit the Sindhi Language Authority office at the Hyderabad Press Club.Dr Khuhro would also inaugurate the Late Muhammad Usman Deeplai Educational, Cultural & Vocational Complex in Hyderabad. -PPI