BALOCHISTAN lags behind other provinces as far as education is concerned. Schools and colleges are not given the attention they deserve.

Besides, there is a severe shortage of secondary school teachers and science lecturers. Most schools and colleges are lacking in libraries which is a must. Schools and colleges are without any lab equipment.

In fact, they are even without basic amenities such as safe drinking water, toilets and gymnasiums which are a must. Cheating is rampant at almost all educational institutions of Balochistan, including Balochistan University.

The major reason for this is that all invigilators, examiners and teachers turn a blind eye to the issue, letting students carry on at their will. So far, the government has not chalked out any plan to end this unfair business for good.

Examination and admission fees are also one of the major problems, as after the announcement of every new budget academic fees go skyhigh. As a result, poor parents suffer the most because they are unable to afford such an exorbitant amount for fees.

Furthermore, there is little chance of scholarships for poor students who usually happen to be more intelligent and hardworking.

As a result, the literacy rate of Balochistan is 34 per cent which is extremely low. The government needs to take some swift and judicious steps to solve the problem of education in the province.

JAN M. BALOCH Turbat