KARACHI, Oct 27: Over 80 per cent intermediate and degree colleges in Karachi are without internet facility.

Interestingly, computer labs exist in various city intermediate colleges, but there is no internet facility in these labs which is compelling a majority of students to go to the internet cafes or utilize their personal computers at their residences.

EDO Higher Education Prof. Raees Alvi and Sindh education minister Irfanullah Marwat had asked the authorities of various intermediate colleges on several occasions to acquire internet connections and establish internal networks to facilitate students.

To update the existing computer labs and for dissemination of computer education at college level, the EDO had urged the college authorities to acquire the internet connections within a month and submit a report.

It was learnt that the colleges were supposed to bear the cost of internet connectivity, preferably, through cable internet service providers. In the first phase of the project, the service could be made available at 90 colleges, which were already equipped with computers.

Apparently the substandard and outdated personal computers and poor internal network facilities besides lack of interest by the colleges are some of the obstacles in provision of internet to students and faculty at a majority of the colleges.

In addition to making computer education mandatory for intermediate students, the Sindh education department had decided to establish computer labs and provide internet connections to facilitate students, but, so far, the objective could not be achieved.

Students and teachers’ bodies have expressed resentment on the purchase of outdated but costly personal computers for city colleges and now the National Accountability Bureau is investigating the issue.—PPI