MARDAN: Commissioner Mardan Division Syed Muhammad Ali Shah has directed education authorities to immediately utilise available Parent-Teacher Council (PTC) funds in schools across Mardan and Swabi districts to improve cleanliness, classrooms, plantation and other essential facilities.
He issued the directives while chairing a meeting to review the condition of schools, educational facilities and administrative affairs in the two districts. District Education Officers and Monitoring Officers from Mardan and Swabi attended the meeting.
Schools Given One-Month Deadline
The commissioner gave the authorities one month to improve the overall condition of schools. He directed officials to establish effective cleanliness systems, maintain classrooms, carry out necessary repairs and painting, undertake plantation activities and restore non-functional laboratories.
He said improving the school environment, providing basic facilities and supporting the educational and moral development of students were among the fundamental responsibilities of the concerned authorities.
Syed Muhammad Ali Shah also stressed personal hygiene, discipline and moral training, saying cleanliness was important for developing healthy habits and supporting the overall growth and personality development of children. He warned that negligence would not be tolerated.
Non-Functional Schools to Be Made Operational
The commissioner directed authorities to resolve local administrative issues immediately in coordination with relevant departments at schools whose buildings had been completed but remained non-functional because of minor shortages of Class-IV employees or other administrative matters.
He said such schools should be made operational without delay so that students were not deprived of educational opportunities.
Officials were also directed to ensure regular attendance of teachers and students. Monitoring teams were instructed to conduct regular inspections and closely monitor attendance and other administrative matters.
Disability Policy and Staff Performance
The commissioner ordered full implementation of the policy concerning employees with disabilities, directing that such staff members be posted to nearby schools where possible, keeping accessibility and convenience in view.
He warned that disciplinary action would be taken against officials found negligent in their duties. Where required, existing staff could be replaced and new teams deployed.
Syed Muhammad Ali Shah announced that he would personally visit schools in Mardan and Swabi after one month to assess cleanliness, attendance, availability of basic facilities and other administrative matters.
He said officials responsible for failing to improve school conditions within the deadline or neglecting their duties would face action.
Sports Week Preparations
The commissioner also directed the Education Department to make comprehensive arrangements for Sports Week, scheduled to begin next week.
He said sports activities contribute to students’ physical health, mental development, discipline and teamwork. The district administrations of Mardan and Swabi were instructed to provide the necessary support to the Education Department for the event.
Officials responsible for schools demonstrating outstanding performance would receive certificates of appreciation and cash awards, subject to available resources. The initiative, the commissioner said, was intended to encourage better performance, discipline and responsibility across educational institutions.