LARKANA, Oct 6: Around 448 out of 2,674 primary schools have been closed due to various reasons in the Larkana district.

Most of the schools closed are in the remote areas of the district, where non-availability of local teaching staff and a low ratio of enrolments have led to their closure.

Also the deputation of teaching staff is said to be one of the main causes of the closure of these schools.

Education authorities concerned, however, are busy making them operational. Officials told Dawn on Saturday that eight girls primary schools had been re-opened and that they were optimistic that the rest of the closed schools would be re-opened soon.

The break-up shows that 229 boys and 219 girls primary schools are presently non-functional.

The officials confirmed that of the closed schools, 79 were in Larkana, 60 in Ratodero, 85 in Mirokhan, 41 in Shahdadkot, 80 in Kambar, 52 in Warah and 51 in Dokri.

They said Government High School Khabar had recently been re-opened and made functional.

At least 15 middle schools (six boys and nine girls schools) are also closed in the Larkana district. They are located in Mahar Wada, Umed Ali Junijo, Mohammad Khan Bhutto, Dodai, Chudero, Badaruddain Abro (Warah), Yar Mohammad Leghari (Mirokhan), Khairodero, Izatji Wandh, Musa ji wandh, Sharif Bhutto, Gathar, Gibidero and Chakyani. The officials claimed to have re-opened one of the middle schools.

It was learnt that the district government had initiated a plan to recruit local teachers and employ retired government servants to reduce the number of closed schools.

Lately, executive district officer (education) Zamir Hussain Qazi visited Mirokhan and at a meeting with the taluka Nazim, locals and education officials decided to expedite the process of re-opening the schools.

DACOITS ARRESTED: The Larkana police on Saturday claimed to have arrested four dacoits, including Nadir Jiskani.