KARACHI, March 7: Students who come to the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi face many hardships because the bank branch that was on the premises has ceased to function.

The permission given to a bank to operate a branch in the Intermediate Board Office complex was cancelled and the BIE officials nominated another bank located down the road was authorised to collect fees and other charges.

Long queues are to be seen outside this bank branch which is located on the main road. Girls who come here to pay fees wait their turn under the sun. The girls particularly are unhappy and have criticised the BIE decision saying that they feel uncomfortable because passersby stare at them while they are standing in a queue. On many occasions, they are the victims of derogatory remarks.

A senior BIE official when asked told DAWN that a bank’s branch was located at the entrance of the intermediate board office complex where students used to deposit fees. However, the bank’s performance was pathetic and the board office used to receive list of fees receipts deposited by students after delays. This used to lead to confusion and delays in processing examination forms.

He said the board decided to authorise another bank whose branch is located on Sharah-i-NoorJahan to collect fees temporarily. “We are in the process of renovating the building meant to house the bank branch at the entrance and it will be completed soon after which the bank branch will start collecting fees at the BIE premises. However, sources said renovation of the building has been delayed due to red tape and funds were not being released. They said the BIE officials could expedite the matter if they took action.