KARACHI, Nov 13: The government has finalized a draft bill to regulate private educational institutions’ operation, curriculum and fee structure and a bill to this effect will be presented in the next session of the Sindh Assembly.

This was stated by Education Minister Irfanullah Marwat in response to a point of order raised by Ms Qazilbash of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement during Thursday’s session.

She had pointed out that private schools and colleges had turned education into an industry and were fleecing parents by raising fees every now and then at their own will and without any justification. She said that a citizen of average income was not given any concession and, as such, they are deprived of better education.

Mr Marwat informed the House that the previous government, through an ordinance, had taken away the authority of the Education department to determine fee structure. Now a bill has been drafted to deal with the situation and the same was likely to be put up in the next session, he said.

Ms Kulsoom Nizamani of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal raised issue of the problems created by the hooligans in shopping areas. She also complained about the price spiral and the difficulties being faced by common man, some of whom were forced to commit suicide.

Nuzhat Pathan of the PPP pointed out that minibuses were generally involved in traffic accidents. She demanded strict measures to make minibus drivers and transporters observe traffic rules, including those pertaining to licence and vehicle fitness.

A government bill seeking regularization of some contractual doctors’ services was approved during the session after opposition’s amendment, about application of the regularization from the date of their appointment, was rejected by 60-40 votes. The amendment was proposed by Syed Qaim Ali Shah. Dr Sohrab Sarki, Irfanullah Marwat and Dr Mehreen Bhutto also addressed the House. The bill was taken up immediately and passed following an amendment by the law minister in his motion on Speaker Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah’s indulgence.

Earlier, the Speaker announced that the governor of Sindh had given his assent to the Sindh (prohibition of taking minerals, including reti and bajri, from any land) Bill 2003.

A bill to provide for the establishment of an Institute of Business and Technology was also introduced during the session whereas an ordinance pertaining to the Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education was laid before the members.