Sindh Education Minister Dr Hamida Khuhro told the Sindh Assembly during question hour on Thursday that the approval from the competent authority was awaited to recruit 7,500 teachers for model schools in different parts of the province.
The Assembly session was scheduled at 9 am but began at 11:25 am. Muhammad Hussein was in the chair. It remained a dull day as members did not show their usual warmth to each other, and there were only few exchanges of pleasantries from either side.
The education minister said that applications for the posts of female teachers were invited through newspaper advertisements in May 2003 and tests of some 40,000 candidates were taken through CBM in November 2003. At least, 40,000 applicants qualified and they were asked to appear before interview boards in 2004.
Dr Hamida Khuhro said that summary of the entire procedure and recommendations for appointments had already been submitted to the competent authority. Approval was still awaited, adding it would be received soon.
She evaded all questions regarding pointing out the competent authority and advised questioners to refer to the rules of business.
The minister explained reasons for the delay in recruitment and said above all the ban on recruitment did not permit recruitment. The ban had remained there for more than 10 years, she added.
To a question from Humaira Alwani, the minister told the house that a college building was constructed in Ghora Bari in district Thatta 10 years ago at a cost of Rs 6 million. It was never handed over to the education department. Instead, in a portion of the building a secondary school is functioning and has 350 students, she added.
This disclosure provoked members who asked a series of questions and wanted to know the names of those responsible for this act of carelessness and corruption.
Dr Hamida Khuhro said that the matter had been taken up with the works department and soon there would be some progress.
The House will meet again on Friday at 9 am.