Sindh orders special audit of educational boards amid corruption allegations
The Sindh Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has ordered a special audit of all educational boards across the province following concerns over financial irregularities and allegations of corruption in the marking system, Express News reported.
The audit, covering the years 2022 to 2024, aims to ensure transparency in financial expenditures and grading mechanisms.
PAC Chairman Nisar Khuhro, while chairing the committee meeting at the Sindh Assembly on Tuesday, expressed strong reservations over the performance of the province's educational boards, stating that complaints of students being awarded high marks in exchange for money had raised serious concerns about the credibility of the system.
The PAC has directed the Director General (DG) Audit to conduct a three-year special audit of Sindh's seven educational boards and submit a report within four months. Additionally, the Universities and Boards Department has been tasked with formulating Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the audit within one week.
The meeting was attended by PAC members Saadia Javed and Khurram Karim Soomro, along with Universities and Boards Secretary Abbas Baloch, Chairman of the Karachi Inter and Matric Board Sharaf Ali Shah, and other board representatives.
Manipulation in exam results
During the meeting, the PAC chairman voiced frustration over widespread allegations that students could obtain top grades by paying bribes, leading to a decline in the quality of education.
'If students are being awarded A+ grades by paying money, how will they ever pass entry tests for professional institutions?' he questioned.
Khuhro highlighted that the Sindh government had made intermediate education free and was allocating Rs2 billion annually to cover examination fees. However, he lamented that the manipulation of results had put the education system's integrity in question.
'This is about the future of our younger generation. We will not compromise on education under any circumstances,' he asserted.
Karachi inter board controversy
PAC member Khurram Karim Soomro inquired about the status of an ongoing inquiry into the manipulation of first-year examination results in Karachi. He asked why Karachi Inter Board Chairman Amir Qadri was removed from his position and demanded an update on the investigation.
In response, Karachi Inter and Matric Board Chairman Sharaf Ali Shah provided an unexpected reply, stating that the board was criticized regardless of the results.
'If we award lower marks, people complain. If we give higher marks, we face allegations. We are now revising our strategy to ensure greater transparency,' he said, adding that a report on result manipulation would be released soon.
Need for educational reform
PAC member Saadia Javed strongly supported the special audit, emphasizing that ensuring transparency in examination results was crucial for maintaining academic standards.
Chairman Khuhro reinforced this stance, declaring:
'Educational boards are supposed to be the foundation of nation-building. If we fail to uphold transparency in their operations, we fail the future generations. Only a fair and credible system can help our students compete globally.'
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