SWAT: A high-level meeting chaired by Malakand Division Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Bacha reviewed the performance of the education and health sectors and discussed reforms to improve public service delivery.
The meeting was attended by deputy commissioners, additional deputy commissioners, district education officers, medical superintendents, district health officers and heads of educational monitoring teams.
The commissioner said approximately 70 percent of the provincial government’s budget is allocated to the education and health sectors, stressing that officials must adopt a result-oriented approach to ensure effective use of public funds and improve service quality.
Zero Tolerance for Teacher Absenteeism and Ghost Employees
Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Bacha announced a zero-tolerance policy against teacher absenteeism and ghost employees. He directed school principals to ensure daily attendance of teachers and take action against absent staff.
If principals fail to take action, the relevant Assistant Sub-Divisional Education Officers will be required to initiate departmental proceedings against them.
He also directed Assistant Sub-Divisional Education Officers to conduct regular field visits and monitor schools rather than remaining in their offices. Supervisory officials who fail to perform their duties will also face disciplinary action.
Certificates Ordered to Eliminate Ghost Employees
To eliminate ghost employees from educational institutions, the commissioner directed school principals to submit certificates confirming that no ghost employees were working in their schools.
The certificates must be verified and signed by the relevant Assistant Sub-Divisional Education Officer, Sub-Divisional Education Officer, Deputy District Education Officer and District Education Officer.
Deputy district education officers were also directed to submit daily attendance records and monitoring reports to their respective district education officers to ensure effective oversight and prompt action against irregularities.
Review of Education Policies and Performance
Deputy commissioners were instructed to review educational policies, planning and institutional performance during monthly District Steering Committee meetings and take immediate measures to address identified shortcomings.
Meanwhile, district monitoring officers of the Education Department’s Independent Monitoring Unit were given three days to compile complete data on unutilized Parent-Teacher Council funds in schools and submit a comprehensive report.
The commissioner stressed the need to improve governance and performance indicators in the education and health sectors in line with internationally recognized standards.
He also directed officials to seek guidance from the divisional headquarters whenever necessary to ensure effective implementation of policies and development plans.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Bacha directed all concerned officials to strictly implement the decisions. He warned that negligence, misconduct or failure to comply with the directives would result in strict departmental action.
Regular reviews will be conducted to monitor progress and ensure accountability.