The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced immediate steps to tackle teacher shortages in schools across the province. The decision came during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education, chaired by Taj Muhammad Khan Tarand.
The meeting focused on critical issues in the education sector, particularly the need for more teachers and better salaries for community schoolteachers. Taj Muhammad Khan emphasized that community teachers’ salaries must meet minimum wage standards to ensure fair compensation for their hard work.
In the meeting, attended by Education Minister Faisal Khan Tarakai, MPAs, and senior education officials, various strategies to improve education quality were discussed. One of the key points was extending the contracts of school leaders who currently monitor the quality of education in schools. Tarakai shared that the government is considering proposals to redefine and expand their roles in the future.
The committee also announced changes to the transfer policy for ministerial staff. Moving forward, staff will serve a minimum of 1.5 years in one district before being transferred. Initially, this policy will be tested in three districts and later expanded across the province.
To encourage education in areas with low literacy rates, particularly in merged districts, a scholarship program has been launched. This initiative aims to increase student enrollment in underprivileged areas, providing much-needed opportunities for children to pursue their education.
Additionally, efforts are being made to expand the Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) to other districts. This program is designed to mainstream students who have fallen behind in their studies. However, Taj Muhammad Khan highlighted the importance of resolving any existing issues with the program before its expansion.
Another challenge discussed was the delay in the construction of schools in Charsadda and Swat. Special Secretary Education Qaiser Alam has been tasked with urgently addressing these delays. Officials were instructed to secure approval from the Finance Department to complete pending school projects nearing their final stages.
The government’s recent moves demonstrate its commitment to providing quality education and addressing long-standing challenges in the sector. By hiring more teachers, offering scholarships, and resolving delays in school construction, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is taking important steps toward a better future for students.
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