Garum Chashma lacks schools, colleges
CHITRAL, Nov 6: Speakers at a conference in Garum Chashma, about 50 km north-east from here, on Monday complained that the valley with a population of over 70,000 still lacked educational institutions. They said there was only one degree college which was not sufficient to cater to the rising number of students. [caption id="attachment_5457" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="A woman speaks at the conference.--GH Farooqui"][/caption] The conference was held at Governor Cottage, Garum Chashma. Vice Chancellor Allama Iqbal Open University Prof. Dr. Nazir Ahmad Sangi was chief guest while the ceremony was presided over by Abdul Mohammad, the Principal of Govt. Higher Secondary School, Gaum Chashman. The speakers said that AIOU was playing an important role in promotion of education in far-off areas like Chitral. Though there are 418 students of different levels from the three small valleys of Garum Chashma, there is no study center of the AIOU. They demanded establishment of a study center and a Library in the area. Speaking on the occasion, the vice chancellor said AIOU was rendering excellence services in imparting education to over 1.3 million people. At Chitral level, the number of examination centers has been increased from 340 to 611. He said that master level program would be launched very soon. He said that if principal of high school provide them two rooms in his school, AIOU will appoint a local coordinator who will collect assignments and other material from students and forward it to regional or main office timely without any delay. He also announced establishment of a library in the valley. It may be noted here that though there are a large number of schools in all the far-off villages of Chitral, in many cases one village having two to three schools, but after passing matriculation examinations, the students have to face immense problems in continuing their education due to absence of colleges. It is very unfortunate that there are no institutes of higher education, for both males and females, and they have to move to other cities to pursue their education. But then everyone cannot afford to send their wards out of the district. The AIOU has however very successfully tried to fill the gape as it has been providing distance learning education to every part of the valley.—G.H. Farooqui ]]>
The people of Lotkoh have a provincial minister who is enjoying power through their votes. He should work hard and resolve the problems faced by the people of the area, especially the issues related to education. He has been in the provincial cabinet for the last four and half years now and will be coming back to you seeking votes in the upcoming general elections. You people should be ready to give him his reward – a humiliating defeat for his failure to serve you. You have been complaining against Prince Mohiuddin, saying he always remained busy in making money. But now you have a man of your own choice who is is enjoying a ministerial position. He has got all powers after 18th Constitutional Amendment. He has got funds. He is a jiyala of the PPP and his party despite being in power in the centre too is unable to resolve your problems. Then I am afraid to say the AIOU VC cannot do anything to resolve the problems faced by the over 70,000 population. Instead of looking towards the AIOU VC, you must learn some technical things, which can better help you. The quality of education, which the AIOU is providing, will not take you anywhere in today’s meritocratic society. Even then if you do not realize your responsibilities as voters in a democratic era, then God bless you.