CHINIOT: The Punjab government has launched the Public Schools Reorganisation Programme (PSRP), through which around 5,000 schools across the province have been handed over to private sector management.

In Chiniot district, 86 schools were included in this initiative, with 70 handed over to the NGO Akhuwat, 10 to educated youths, and six to a group of entrepreneurs.

One such school -- Government Primary School Riazwala in Bhowana -- was assigned to Ali Waqas under the programme. Following the completion of formalities, the education department officially transferred the school management to him and he appointed his own staff.

However, shortly after the handover, local residents, including a government school teacher Munawwar Sultana, along with Chand, Mujeeb, attacked the school. They beat up staff members Imran and Zeeshan, stole a mobile phone and threatened further violence if the school continued to operate under the public-private partnership scheme.

On Waqas call, the Bhowana police arrived at the scene. Both parties were taken to the police station, where they were directed to follow government policy before being released.

The following day, when the licensee, staff and students returned to the school, they found it locked.

With classes suspended, students were forced to return home.

Waqas submitted a complaint to the deputy commissioner, who forwarded it to the chief executive officer of the District Education Authority, Dr Mohsin, who ordered an inquiry into the role of schoolteacher Munawar Sultana.

The district police said the police had initially received a call claiming that children had been held hostage at the school. However, upon reaching the location, they found no such situation, so no further action was taken.

Waqas demanded that the chief minister take notice of the issue, direct the police to intervene and ensure that the school was reopened to resume operations under the public-private partnership scheme.

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2024