THE roadmap for Balochistan’s development through mega projects like Gwadar free port is mainly aimed at opening the strategically located province for foreign investments and exploiting its vast natural resources. However, it lacks the comprehensive strategy to develop human resources which has suffered from years of neglect.

Only the skilled and able-bodied can make the best use of the enormous natural resources of the province. The development of natural and human resources are inseparably linked. The development of these resources will go a long way in changing the social attitudes.

Though recent efforts like establishment of Gwadar Institute of Technology, first IT University at Quetta, conversion of Bolan and Uthal textile mills buildings into technology institutes are a move in the right direction, but not enough to exploit its vast natural resources, enhance industrial productivity and increase exportable surplus.

Any comprehensive human development policy, if launched by the government, must be based on triadic structure- focusing on the following sectors: education, health-care and women empowerment.

Education is a prime component of human resource development. The technical education and vocational training (TEVT) system in the province suffers from many structural and operational problems, leading to poor education quality, unequal access, limited resources, low efficiency and weak linkage with the labour market.

High drop out rates and a passing rate of less than half for examinations demonstrated the inefficiency of polytechnic programmes. Finding work for graduates also takes a long time, partly because there is mismatch between the skills needed for the jobs and the technical education imparted by educational Institutions.

There are only two polytechnics under the Directorate of colleges, higher and technical education. With only two polytechnics and 11 training centres serving a population of more than 6.5 million, the province lags behind other provinces in terms of access to TEVT system. Access to quality TEVT programmes also remains limited, especially for the rural population. However, Balochistan government has now approved the establishment of a separate directorate of technical education (DTE).

There is also a need to cover post-secondary technician education at the polytechnic level, middle-level technical and vocational training for students, and livelihood training for out-of-school youths and women. Training system development and examination reforms should be introduced, and learning resource centres need to be established at all polytechnics and training centres.

Facilities, including computer laboratories, must be upgraded. Not the government but other social organizations and the NGOs should come forward to help develop human resources in the province,

Health: The second leg of human development policy should be the maintenance and promotion of health standards through provision of better health care services and nutrition. Basic and pressing issues related to the health sector need to be resolved on a priority basis.

The health indicators like infant and mother mortality in Balochistan are poorer compared to any other province. Malaria, typhoid, hepatitis, gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders are common. In rural Balochistan, the health status is poorer. According to an estimate, the province has a total of 1432 health units and one doctor for 7300 persons. Lack or absence of female health staff including female doctors make the situation worse.

The incidence of waterborne diseases is high and medical facilities are not adequate. Major causes of water-related diseases include lack of water supply and sanitation facilities, no proper sewerage disposal, waste mismanagement and contaminated water.

Women empowerment: Better conditions be created leading to the economic empowerment of women. They should be provided with the opportunities to play their role in all types of development activities.

Handicrafts sector can play an important role in women’s economic empowerment, especially in rural Balochistan, where it is generally practiced at local family level. Handicraft skills have survived since centuries without undergoing any scientific and industrial advancement. In rural areas, females secure their livelihood through handicraft work.

According to a UN literacy survey report, females in rural areas of Balochistan with lowest literacy rate, were more inclined to embroidery which involves a lot of eyesight work, as one has to concentrate all on stitching without losing a trace, otherwise it can spoil the work. The important thing in needlework is cleanness and sophistication of stitching. In rural areas females spend longer time in needlework and doing it in night under a lamp, are prone to eyesight problem.

According to the survey report, those who have received education in rural areas were less inclined to learning embroidery. The educated females can earn more by serving as schoolteachers in any girl’s school.

The handicrafts including a variety of needlework designing are being sold in expensive boutiques and crafts shops in national and international markets. The handicrafts do not fetch right price for the skilled woman as the middlemen buys at low prices to make handsome profits. This exploitation of skilled women must stop.