DADU Despite surprise visits, district education officers have failed to reopen 500 non-functional primary schools in the district.

The DCO of Dadu has issued notices under Removal from Services Ordinance-2000 to 200 teachers who were found absent from their duties during surprise visit to primary schools.

A survey conducted by this correspondent revealed that 500 primary girls and boys schools remained closed in the district. A large number of them are located in the far flung areas, where feudal lords and influential persons are using school buildings as guest houses and cattle pen.

It was observed that some of schools had remained closed ever since completion of their construction. It was general complaint that education officials showed the schools to be functional in official record but they remained closed and the teachers got salaries while sitting at home.

Dhani Bux, resident of Dhani Parto village of Dadu taluka, said that examination in the village school was not held last year. He said that two to three teachers were appointed there who remained absent. He said that he had lodged a complaint to education officers but so far no aqaction was taken.

Imam Bux Panhwar of Wadhio Panhwar village of Dadu taluka said that a building for the village school was constructed 15 to 20 years ago but no teacher was appointed there as yet. He said that some 200 girls were deprived of education due to closure of schools in his area.

Dadu is the home district of Sindh Education Minister Pir Mazharul Haq and he had issued directives to ensure opening of closed schools. The DCO had launched a drive against closed schools and absentee teachers.

DCO Saleem Raza Khuhro told Dawn that he found 200 primary teachers and 200 other staff members absent from duties and a number of closed schools during his surprise visits in Dadu, Johi, Mehar and Khairpur Nathan Shah talukas.

Khuhro said that the education department had conducted a survey through revenue department and found 500 schools non-functional. A report had been sent to the Sindh government, he said, and claimed that the education department was making the schools operational within the shortest possible time.

Situation in far flung areas of Jamshoro district is not different as around 100 primary schools remain closed there. The EDO, education, Jamshoro, said that steps had been taken against ghost teachers and to reopen non-functional schools.