RECENTLY, interview of directors and district education officers (DEOs) were held in Karachi under School Education and Literacy Department, Sindh. The manner in which the interviews were conducted gave the impression that they were mere formalities.

Undoubtedly, the role played by directors as well as DEOs is pivotal in education leadership and management at both divisional and district levels. In fact, those holding the critical offices formulate government policies along with other functionaries for monitoring schools and policy implementation.

Besides, these officials theoretically and practically control the functioning of schools in their jurisdictions. Unfortunately, these key posts seem to be highly influenced by politicians, especially feudal lords in the rural areas of the province who have primarily destroyed the education management system in Sindh. These key posts are filled under the direct influence of political parties and personalities, local traditions and tribal dynamics. If the education depart- ment really wants to appoint people on the basis of merit, it needs to outsource the recruitment process to third parties.

Prof Aijaz Ahmed
Shikarpur

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2024