Minister of Education and Mineral Development, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, has urged private schools to prioritize the teaching and preservation of mother tongues, particularly Urdu and Sindhi, to enhance children’s educational growth. The minister emphasized the mandatory use of approved textbooks from the Sindh Textbook Board and the hiring of qualified teachers to improve students’ language skills. Recent inspections by the Sindh Language Authority and the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions revealed issues, such as the use of unapproved Sindhi textbooks containing grammatical errors and the employment of untrained teachers for language instruction. Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah expressed concern over the negligent approach of private schools toward teaching mother tongues, warning that it undermines children’s foundational language learning. To address these challenges, the minister outlined key measures: Only Sindh Textbook Board-approved books for Urdu and Sindhi should be used. Trained teachers must be hired to teach language subjects effectively.
Schools must allocate at least four classes per week for Urdu and Sindhi. “Aasaan Sindhi” textbooks will be introduced for Urdu-speaking students, while Sindhi-speaking students will also study both Sindhi and Urdu. Additionally, private schools have been directed to submit their Urdu and Sindhi textbooks for grades 3 to 9 to the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions for review and approval. Minister emphasized that these steps aim to ensure effective language teaching, compliance with legal standards, and the preservation of Sindh’s rich cultural heritage. A formal notice has been issued to private schools, underscoring the need for immediate compliance.
