January 24, 2006	Tuesday	Zilhaj 23, 1426

KARACHI, Jan. 23: The Sindh government has adopted a pragmatic approach to promote literacy and education across the province, Provincial Chief Secretary, Fazal-ur-Rehman told the participants of 25th Special Diplomatic Course (Foreign Service) here on Monday.

The course participants who called on the Sindh Chief Secretary at his office were further informed that the province has also emerged to be the first province to strengthen “Compulsory Education for All up to 10 standard”, in the year 2001 -2002.

For the very purpose, he said free of cost textbooks are being distributed among all students and monthly stipend is being offered to girl students of eight standard (middle).

Fazal-ur-Rehman further mentioned that efforts are under way to reactivate 4,000 primary schools across the province, adding that services of teachers were being hired on contract basis, from the areas where the schools are located.

This, he said, is to ensure smooth teaching and educational activities without any hindrance and in accordance to set rules and regulations.

The Special Diplomatic Course participants are presently on a study tour of all provincial capitals under the aegis of the Foreign Service Academy.—APP