QUETTA: The Balochistan government announced on Friday that it will launch a school admission campaign across the province from February 18 to ensure the enrollment of out-of-school children.

“In the first phase of the campaign, six lakh children would be enrolled in schools across the province,” Secretary Education Balochistan, Saboor Kakar told a news conference at Quetta Press Club.

Adviser to the Chief Minister on Education, Sardar Raza Muhammad Bareech, MPA Obaidullah Jan Babat were also present on the occasion.

"Our aim is to enroll all out-of-school kids," Kakar elaborated.

In Balochistan, according to statistics provided by education department more than 2 million children are out of schools.

For the first time in the history of the province, the government allocated 24 per cent of the total budget to promote education.

The secretary education stated that committees on district level would be formed to make the school admission campaign a success.

He said members of civil society, teachers, elected representatives and local tribesmen would make joint efforts to facilitate and motivate out of school children to join classes.

"Indeed, it is a tough job, but we are trying," Kakar said.

Bareech thus underlined the need to eradicate the curse of cheating during examinations. He said the government had determined to ensure transparency during examinations.

Bareech stated that secret cameras were being installed at all examinations centers to check cheating.

Balochistan government has also installed Education Management and Information System (EMIS) to keep a check on the teachers and students.

Data on the schools including students and teachers is being computerized under EMIS.

"An end to ghost schools and teachers would be brought about through this system," Bareech said.

Balochistan is lagging behind other provinces in terms of key social indicators including education and health.

Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Malik Baloch has also reiterated to ensure provision of quality education to students across the province.

"My aim is to educate the kids," Dr Baloch told Dawn.

The Balochistan government has also decided to recruit teachers through National Testing Service (NTS).

"The major reason behind NTS is to ensure transparency," the chief minister argued, saying that reforms in education were integral for survival of the new generation.