LOWER DIR: District education officer Inayatullah Khan has directed school heads to ensure the success of the upcoming enrolment drive by bringing out-of-school children to public sector educational institutions.
He was addressing a meeting of headmasters and principals of government middle, high and higher secondary schools at the Balambat Education Complex here on Saturday.
The meeting was attended by deputy district education officer Fayyazuddin, assistant district education officer Wajeehuddin and school heads from across the district, including School Officers Association president Ali Gauhar, former SOA president Salahuddin, principal Bashir Khan and headmaster Haroonur Rashid.
Highlighting the transformative power of education, DEO Inayatullah said national progress was rooted in a strong education system.
He underscored the crucial role of school heads in turning educational institutions into exemplary models for other sectors.
The DEO stressed the importance of critical thinking for students and urged educators to nurture creativity and innovation among schoolchildren.
Addressing concerns about student dropouts, the DEO directed school heads to compile data on children who had left school, engage with their parents and guardians, and take measures to bring them back to classrooms.
On the issue of cheating in board examinations, he vowed to eradicate the practice.
He noted that this year, the civil administration officers, including deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and additional assistant commissioners, would oversee examination halls to check cheating.
He urged school heads to enforce strict measures against unfair practices.
Regarding the provision of free textbooks, the DEO announced that the government would supply half of the new books to schools. He directed school heads to collect used books from students and redistribute them among newly-promoted students.
Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2025
