Punjab Minister for School Education Rana Sikandar Hayat on Thursday directed the newly appointed chairmen of education boards across the province to ensure transparency in examinations, introduce digital reforms, and enforce a zero-tolerance policy against cheating and corruption.
Punjab minister orders transparent examinations, digital reforms across education boards
LAHORE, Jul 09 (APP): Punjab Minister for School Education Rana Sikandar Hayat on Thursday directed the newly appointed chairmen of education boards across the province to ensure transparency in examinations, introduce digital reforms, and enforce a zero-tolerance policy against cheating and corruption.
He issued the directions while chairing an introductory meeting with the newly appointed board chairmen, during which matters relating to examination reforms, transparency, and the use of modern technology in the education system were discussed.
The minister briefed the participants on the educational vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the provincial government’s ongoing reform agenda.
Rana Sikandar Hayat said the government was taking practical steps to bring the examination system in line with international standards, adding that strict action against the cheating mafia, paper leaks and examination irregularities would continue.
He said eliminating corruption and the influence of mafias in education boards was a shared responsibility of all relevant institutions.
The minister directed the chairmen to introduce digital reforms in the examination process and in result compilation, and to launch online screen marking on a pilot basis for supplementary examinations. He said integrating modern technology into the education boards was among the government’s top priorities.
He urged the newly appointed chairmen to strengthen the ongoing reforms and perform their duties with honesty and professionalism, saying they were responsible for safeguarding the future of millions of students.
Rana Sikandar Hayat also directed the chairmen to regularly visit marking centers, ensure accountability of examiners involved in incorrect marking and protect students from any injustice. He further instructed them to ensure the provision of all basic facilities at examination centers.
The minister said education boards should also organize regular STEM, debate, and sports competitions to promote the overall development of students.
It is pertinent to mention that Punjab’s education boards had remained without permanent chairmen for the past three to four years, with the respective divisional commissioners serving as acting chairmen.
The newly appointed chairmen include Prof Tahir Mahmood for the Rawalpindi Board, Dr Aqsa Shabbir for the Faisalabad Board, Dr Badrul Islam for the Lahore Board, Dr Rana Binyamin for the Multan Board, Iqbal Mahmood for the Sargodha Board, Ishtiaq Ahmed for the Gujranwala Board, Dr Ahmed Muneeb for the Sahiwal Board, Dr Naseem for the Bahawalpur Board and Abbas Haider for the Dera Ghazi Khan Board.
