KARACHI, Dec 27: The Sindh Minister for Education and Literacy, Dr Hamida Khuhro, said the government had not suspended the process of selection of 741 candidates as lecturers on contract basis. It was; however, held for over 250 complaints received in this respect. Besides, the matter was challenged in the high court and a decision was awaited, she said.

Responding to a question by Nasrullah Shajji of the MMA during the question hour in Sindh assembly on Monday, the minister told the house that the Institute of Business Management was awarded the contract for holding the written test of lecturers.

Tests were held on December 14, 2003 at Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur, she said, adding the education department had notified the results at offices of all 16 Executive District Officers (Education) of Sindh.

She further said that five interview committees were constituted for different subjects, each headed by a member of the Sindh Public Service Commission. The process of interviews continued from March 15 to May 6, 2004, and the result was announced by the SPSC on May 26, 2004, wherein, 741 candidates were recommended for appointment.

Accordingly, after getting approval of the competent authority, the education minister offered letters for appointment as lecturers on contract for a period of three years.

However, while their posting proposals were being considered, more than 250 complaints were received against the selection process. In the meantime, the matter was also challenged in the Sindh High Court at the Karachi and Sukkur benches, the minister informed.

To a question by Dr Nasrullah Baloch, the minister said the Sindh Textbook Board had purchased paper worth Rs149.24 million during 2002-03 and worth Rs252.43 million during 2003-04.

As far as the difference in the cost of paper purchased during 2003-04 was concerned, she said it was because of its import from Indonesia at a rate of Rs61,500 per tonne, while during 2002-03, local paper was purchased at a rate of Rs43,000 per tonne. To a related question, the minister said imported high quality paper was used because of the demand by donor agencies. - PPI