MIANWALI, May 27: The Punjab government has authorized the district government to fill in 275 posts, out of the 1,130 vacancies in the education department, on a permanent basis.

This was stated by District Nazim Humair Hayat Khan Rokhri on Tuesday while speaking at a news conference.

Mr Rokhri said that 64 PTC teachers, 77 SV, CT and PET teachers, 20 elementary English teachers, two junior clerks, 44 class IV employees and while 68 SSTs would be recruited through the Punjab Public Service Commission.

He said that 855 posts of teachers would be filled after the approval of the Punjab government.

He did not had the exact number of vacant seats of the health and revenue departments but said 12 patwaris would be recruited on merit.

Mr Rokhri said that the Punjab government has agreed to enhance the status of the primary, elementary and high schools in the district.

Mr Rokhri said that 128 primary, 65 elementary, 10 high schools and 2 inter colleges would be upgraded.

The Nazim said that many schools in the district were without basic facilities — 300 schools without drinking water, 200 girls primary schools without boundary walls, 435 primary schools without toilets and 600 schools without electricity.

The buildings of 325 schools needed repair and 200 schools needed additional rooms.

Mr Rokhri said that under the President Programme for Education 2002-5, the district government received Rs8.8 million. The project was discontinued after one year and the amount was spent for the purchase of furniture and ceiling fans for the schools.

He said that under the programme, 20 science laboratories and 8 trade workshops were being constructed in different high schools for boys and girls.

About the provision of Sui gas to Mianwali city, the Nazim said that main pipeline has reached up to the railway crossing at Ballokhel Road. Work on the second phase of the project would be started in June. He was optimistic that Sui gas would be provided to the residents of Mianwali city in September.

The Nazim also said that work on laying another gas pipeline from Peshawar to Daudkhel through Shakardara would be completed soon.