Fata administration's irrational plan

While the Fata Reforms Bill aims at mainstreaming the people living in those areas - arguably the country's least developed region - one expected popularizing education would also get the priority it deserves. Unfortunately, education seems to be of least concern to those in charge of the tribal areas affairs. According to a press report, the Fata Civil Secretariat has ordered shutting down as many as 497 schools, majority of them primary schools both for boys and girls, in pursuit of what it calls a "rationalization plan". The plan betrays a business-oriented costs and benefits approach to a subject that requires sensitivity to the larger issues of human development and nation building for which access to basic education is of utmost importance. There are many other fields where cost cutting can help.
Ironically enough, the 'rationalization plan' comes just as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor - who also acts as chief executive of Fata - has declared an education emergency in the province as well as the tribal areas to increase school enrolment. According to the areas' Directorate of Education officials, majority of the schools shortlisted for closure were used as 'hujras' or cattle pens by local elders, while in others enrolment was very low. Hence "instead of wasting resources" it has been decided to shift funds and teaching staff at schools with low enrolment - under the 70 benchmark for boys and 65 for girls - to the other better attended government-run schools. This shifting of 'resources' means children will have to travel long distances, which will only work as a disincentive for them, particularly girls due to cultural constraints. Needless to say, the Fata children have the right to education, like all young people in other parts of the country. It is also necessary to prevent them from falling prey to terrorist recruiters. They need to be equipped with knowledge and skills that can help them enter the workforce as productive members of society.
Considering that not all living in the tribal society may be aware of the value of formal learning, a policy of persistence is required to persuade people to send their children to school. Peer influence is known to encourage change in attitudes. Even if there are less than ten children in schools they must stay open for the sake of existing pupils as well as to attract others. A sensible solution would be something the government in the neighbouring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has come up with. Following a policy of one teacher for 40 students, surplus teachers from low enrolment schools are posted in under-staffed institutions. Meanwhile, the enrolment drive goes on. The same needs to be replicated by the Fata Directorate of Education.