Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah has raised concerns over the provincial education budget, revealing that 92% of funds are spent on salaries and pensions, leaving little for improving learning infrastructure. He cautioned that the sector risks becoming an employment-focused system rather than one centered on quality education.
Speaking in the Sindh Assembly, Minister Shah explained that although the plan in 2021 was to recruit 50,000 teachers, a total of 95,000 offer letters have been issued, with 31,000 candidates still awaiting formal recruitment. This has put further strain on resources, emphasizing the need for better workforce planning.
The minister also highlighted serious infrastructure challenges. In Karachi alone, 233 primary and secondary schools are considered unsafe, requiring around Rs. 4,156 million for repairs and renovations. Many schools lack basic facilities such as libraries and science laboratories, affecting both student learning and teacher performance. Low salaries in private schools were also noted as a concern, making it harder to attract qualified staff.
Another pressing issue is gender disparity. Despite efforts to encourage girls’ education, female enrollment in Sindh schools stands at just 42%, indicating that significant gaps remain in providing equal opportunities.
Experts suggest that the government needs to balance teacher compensation with investments in facilities, learning resources, and teacher training to create a more effective education system. Without such reforms, schools may continue to focus on employment rather than quality education, impacting students’ long-term prospects.
