Sir: Discrepancies and immature steps have never been restricted to one sector in rule of any government in Pakistan. Exam of Central Superior Services (CSS) is highly competitive and its results have been very discouraging since decades with passing ratio ranging from 2-4 percent only. Federal Public Services Commission has time and again commented on the low quality of education being provided to students at college and university level. However, to shock and further aggravate grievances of aspirants, the current government is supposed to reform the selection criteria on more tough lines.
The step is highly naive and illogical. Reforms are always initiated from lower tiers and shifted to upper ones, while Ishrat Hussain without suggesting any remedies for educational system of Pakistan has demanded highly qualified and technical candidates. This is very disappointing to have such reforms from the ‘erudite giant’. Current budget spent on education is 2-3 percent of GDP even lower than expected standards ie four percent. In Latest Survey on research Pakistan ranks 113 out of 141 countries and budget being spent on digital technology is around 0.02-3 percent.
This is highest level of immaturity to carry on reforms on higher level without overhauling structures at basic levels. This would surely lessen the ratio of passing students from two percent to downward. Reforms on higher level could be done at level of surveillance of bureaucrats to inhibit corruption, red tapism, biased attitudes and nepotism. Change is crucial but knowing from where to start is more inevitable.
JAN SHER KHAN
Kotla Naseer, District Rajanpur