KARACHI -Information technology (IT) laboratories set up in 206 schools and colleges of the province have stopped functioning after district officials used their influence to shift their equipment to their own offices and residences. The Sindh Education Department had set up the laboratories under a four-year project – IT Computer Science, Teachers, Laboratory In-charges and Computer Laboratories – launched in 2005 and completed by 2009.
The purpose of the project was to introduce compulsory computer education at the matric and intermediate levels. The project was co-funded by both the federal and Sindh governments. It included establishment of computer laboratories with modern equipment including Pentium-IV computers, tables, revolving chairs, air-conditioners and vinyl flooring as well as provision of IT teachers and laboratory in-charges.
Under the programme, modern IT laboratories with brand new computers and printers were established in 206 educational institutions including 14 colleges, 38 higher secondary schools and 154 higher secondary schools in 16 districts of the province. The Education Department had also appointed 164 IT experts on an 11-month contract. Out of these, 154 were regularised on October 30, 2008.
After the regularisation of the services, a large number of IT experts had themselves transferred to the more lucrative Sindh Secretariat and other departments and district officials were quick to grab the opportunity and deprive the students of this facility.
