The speakers at a seminar on "Policies and Practices of Education" deplored that the government was spending a huge portion of GDP on civil and military bureaucracy instead of education.
The government was also blamed for imparting class-based education and using religion as a tool in promoting nationalism in curricula. The seminar was organised by Pakistan Coalition for Education (PCE) here on Wednesday.
Giving details on 'Education Reform' Dr Tariq Rehman of Quaid-e-Azam University said it was unfortunate that none of the previous governments tried to introduce a uniform education system and instead chalked out their own policies to gain political mileage. He pointed out that the allocation for education is too low, which should be increased to 10 percent of the GDP.
"Only military academies are well fed on the state resources." Per student in these institutes cost Rs 14,000 annually as compared to Rs 2,600 of a public sector school, he added.
Dr Rehman said that the establishment of military and private institutes by individuals and organisations was contrary to the existing rules. These cadet schools were established to maintain and strengthen the hierarchy. No improvement in the education system could be brought about unless the present class-based education system is removed, he observed.
He said that the teachers have been grossly neglected in education policy planning and implementation.
Haroona Jatoi, Director Academy of Educational Planning and Management said the government was facing problems in revising the curriculum due to the opposition, on some issues, by the religious parties. She underlined the need for teachers training along with improvement in their status giving handsome salaries.
The other speakers said that the civil society should raise its voice for the marginalised people and work for ensuring better educational system based on uniformity besides emphasising the need for research-based advocacy.