Expressing deep dissatisfaction with the current state of college infrastructure, the Sindh Department of Colleges today ordered an immediate and comprehensive survey of all college buildings across the province to address urgent repair and maintenance needs. The decision was made during a high-level meeting aimed at reviewing the performance of educational institutions.
The directive was issued by Sindh Secretary of Colleges, Nadeem-ur-Rehman Memon, who chaired the session. The primary goal of the province-wide assessment is to gather detailed information on the structural condition of the facilities to formulate a more effective strategy for their upkeep and renovation.
Secretary Memon mandated that a detailed report on necessary repairs be submitted swiftly following the survey. In a significant policy shift aimed at ensuring the longevity and safety of future educational structures, he further instructed that soil testing must be made mandatory before the construction of any new college building begins.
The meeting, attended by Director General Colleges Naveed Rab Siddiqui and other senior officials, also addressed the challenge of student enrollment. The Secretary called for the collection of data on students transitioning from matriculation to higher education to develop an effective strategy to attract more individuals to college programs. He asked for recommendations on how to encourage a maximum number of students to pursue college admissions.
Officials also deliberated on financial issues affecting students, particularly the fees in colleges affiliated with universities for four-year degree programs. Secretary Memon assured that the Department of Universities and Boards would be consulted to resolve these matters. He also directed the Director General to compile comprehensive data on fees collected by colleges throughout Sindh.
Furthermore, it was stated that measures for scholarships and fee concessions in degree colleges will be implemented in line with the directives of Sindh Minister for Education, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, to provide relief to students.
The performance review focused on the Shaheed Benazirabad region, with principals from 34 colleges attending via video link. It was reported that 59,322 students are currently enrolled in the region”s colleges, which include 11 in Shaheed Benazirabad District, 11 in Sanghar, and 12 in Naushahro Feroze.