Sindh Education Minister Dr Hamida Khuhro said children need standard books that are written and printed keeping in view their interest. She was speaking at a dinner hosted by Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association (PPBA) here at a hotel on Monday.
The Minister asked the publishers to come up with standard and attractively printed books. Besides, the information about national heroes, culture and literature should also be highlighted.
She said that last year, in spite of acquisition of paper from the local market, the Sindh Textbook Board could not print the textbooks in time for free distribution among the students that resulted in academic loss.
Dr Khuhro said the Sindh Chief Minister while reposing confidence in her has assigned the portfolio of Education Minister and assured her of his full support as well.
She vowed to leave no stone unturned to revive the academic excellence of Sindh.
The minister informed that reforms would be introduced in the Sindh Textbook Board and the availability of books ahead of the schedule would be ensured.
She further stated that the affairs of the Education Department would be conducted in a transparent manner.
When informed that the PPBA would organise a book exhibition in India next month, Dr Khuhro expressed pleasure and said the number of publishers there is much more as compared to ours.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Sindh Textbook Board Anwar Ahmed Zai announced that the affairs of his organisation would be run in a transparent manner.
He ensured that from now onward the textbooks would be published by February 26 instead of April.
Secretary Education Sindh Nadir Ali Markhani speaking on the occasion said that the affairs of the Department would be streamlined.