KARACHI, Oct 15: Despite hectic efforts by the city government, it is unlikely that the eight newly-established colleges, where about 2,000 students have been given admissions, would be able to start academic activities in time.
The academic session in these colleges is likely to be delayed by a couple of months. In some institutions, the setting up of laboratories would take a time, while initiation of classes in some others would depend upon the availability of buildings which are either with the LEAs, or the works department. Thus a considerable time would be required for normal academic operations.
Sources said the new colleges lacked resources and as such principals in charge were not in a position to say anything precisely about the commencement of teaching in the first year classes.
A college principal said he had been provided with only one-third of the teaching staff required for a meaningful education in science. Though not up to mark, most of the colleges have been provided with teachers on detailment while non-teaching staff and other necessities are still awaited.
“We are already behind schedule and it is understood that in the given circumstances, only a couple of classes could be taken every day, said a teacher, adding the colleges also lacked laboratory equipment, furniture and stationery.
In view of the increasing numbers of matriculates, the city government had three months back announced opening of eight degree colleges — Orangi Town Girls College, Jungle Shah Boys College, Shamspir Boys College, Ibrahim Hyderi Girls College, Gulzar-i-Hijri Boys College, Lines Area Girls College, New Karachi Boys College, Shaheed-i-Millat Girls College.
Admissions to these colleges have been made in all the three faculties, but teaching to-date could not commence there as facilities, including faculty, laboratories, non-teaching staff and funds were not available.
The city government’s education department is yet to take over most of the buildings from the works department. “As soon as the work on these buildings is completed, we would take possession of the buildings,” said a senior officer.
A source said about 425 students had been given admission in Keamari degree boys college, but students have no access to college authorities as the building is in occupied by a law-enforcement agency.
Most of the colleges lacked utilities, like electricity and gas. Principals, who had been made DDOs as well, are yet to get funds. In view of shortage of teachers, the city government was also suggested to hire cooperative teachers to overcome the shortage of teachers at the new colleges.
Since private funds are not available with the principals, things cannot materialize.
The education department has already forwarded SNEs for new colleges but it was not known when regular appointments would be made.
All new colleges are still to apply for affiliation with boards. Students, who visited the colleges, said most of the colleges had no adequate furniture and academic environment for a take-off.
It would take another few weeks to start classes while a couple of months would be required for initiating practical classes, said as senior official.
When EDO (education) Prof Rais Alvi was contacted, he said a meeting of principals concerned was held in his office and principals have been told to utilize whatever funds were available to them as DDO. The educational board would also be requested to extend the date for enrolment.