Ijaz Kakakhel
A legislative body of Upper House of parliament on Thursday expressed disappointment on the delay of regularization of teachers in the federal capital and called it a failure of the government.
However, the ministry for Federal Education and Professional Training contended that the report was placed before the cabinet with the prior approval of the Prime Minister but to no avail.
These views were expressed during a meeting of Senate Functional Committee on Government Assurances, which was held here at Parliament House with Senator Kamil Ali Agha in Chair.
The Senate Committee deliberated on the assurance provided by the then Minister Incharge of the Capital Administration and Development division regarding the regularization of services for teachers working in the education department of Islamabad Capital Territory on daily wages. Senator Kamil Ali Agha stated that the matter has been pending since 2016 and termed the delay as a bureaucratic hurdle. The Committee deferred the matter for further report and deliberation, anticipating the new Government.
Additionally, the committee discussed the assurance given by the then Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training and Minister Incharge for Capital Administration and Development Division concerning the construction of new educational institutions in Islamabad. Deputy Chairman Senate, Mirza Muhammad Afridi, remarked that education is a fundamental right of citizens, and approximately 2.5 crore population of the country is without education, making the delay in such matters unacceptable. The Officials replied that it will furnish a report after visiting all schools and colleges located in Islamabad Territory and then decide accordingly.
While discussing the assurance provided by the then Minister for Capital Administration and Development division relating to the establishment of the Government College of Home Economics, Management Sciences, and Specialized Disciplines in F-11, Islamabad, the Principal of Home Economics College apprised the committee that the college has been up and running for the last one and a half years. However, the college lacks auditorium and computer lab facilities.
The Ministry Incharge for Capital Administration and Development Division assured the committee that they will make an on-ground visit to the college and overcome the shortcomings confronting the Government College for Home Economics.
Moreover, the matter of the procurement of MRI machines in Government Polyclinic Hospital was taken up.
The Ministry apprised the committee that the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation, and Coordination, and the Japanese Government have agreed to provide an MRI machine on a donation basis for Polyclinic Hospital. However, the installation and commissioning of the MRI machine in the hospital are expected by the end of 2024.
In attendance were Deputy Chairman Senate Mirza Muhammad Afridi, Senator Gurdeeo Singh,Senator Kamran Murtaza and other senior officials of concerned ministries were also in attendance.
