Daily Times

Sir: The government is in action against private schools for overcharging. A debate is going on in the government circles about exorbitant fees charged by private schools. This exercise is primarily aimed at diverting the attention of the disgruntled and frustrated public from the poor governance and massive corruption committed by the government, which has increased the problems of the people manifold in the past two years.

It is a fact that private schools are charging more than others. But they are not forcing anyone to bring their children to private schools. It is the parents who strive to get their children admitted to reputable schools of their choice. So, parents are also equally responsible for this negative trend.

For providing quality education, you require teachers having higher qualification. Obviously such teachers must be paid highly. Their salaries have to be paid through tuition fees. The government levies heavy taxes in the shape of electricity, gas and water bills. The schools pay taxes like any other industrial complex. All this has to come out of tuition fees. There is no rebate or relaxation for educational institutions. Every sensible government gives top priority to education by allocating maximum resources, but Pakistan gives last priority to education.

The government needs to improve the quality and standard of government schools. If the government schools provide good quality education, no one will send their children to expensive private schools.

There was a time when studying in a government high school or college was considered an honour. I paid Rs 17 per month in Government College Lahore and the education was top quality as certified by the level and brilliance of students of past years. That is where the government should concentrate its efforts, if there is any sincerity at all.

We must all stand up against this sinister move by the government of Punjab. The government of Punjab should take a lesson from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on how to run government schools.

AYAZ AHMAD

Islamabad