DERA GHAZI KHAN: As many as 354 under-performing schools in the four districts of Dera Ghazi Khan division have been handed over to the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) by the Punjab government to improve quality of education at these institution.

These schools, struggling with issues like low enrollment and lack of teachers etc, will remain the property of the Punjab School Education Department (SED), but oversight will now be handled by the PEF.

A recent meeting held to review the initiative was attended by PEF Managing Director Shahid Saleem, along with deputy commissioners (DCs) concerned, education department officers and representatives from PAF, PRSP, Sanjh, NRSP, and other organisations.

DG Khan Commissioner Dr Nasir Mahmood Bashir confirmed that the handover only affects the schools that were not being adequately managed by the SED.

The Punjab government also announced an increase in teachers’ salaries from Rs4,000 to Rs20,000, with the potential for additional raises for those posted in remote areas, like the mountainous Koh Sulaiman tehsil. This hike aims to support teachers financially and enhance their commitment to improving education standards.

The commissioner emphasised the government’s commitment to implementing these changes, improving basic facilities, and ensuring that the operational challenges faced by the schools are promptly addressed.

The decision to handover schools to the PEF reflects a focused approach to strengthen the educational infrastructure in the all districts of DG Khan division and ensure every child receives quality education, he added.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2024