Even huge spending fails to improve state of Sindh’s schools

The procurement of school furniture throughout the two-year tenure of former education minister Syed Sardar Shah was marked by pervasive mismanagement, irregularities and massive corruption, according to a government report submitted to the Sindh High Court (SHC).

The report states that an astounding Rs7.36 billion was spent on school furniture over this time period, raising serious concerns about the use of public funds. Submitted in response to a case filed with the SHC about a lack of furniture in public schools, the report also states that between 2012-13 and 2022-23, a staggering Rs28.13 billion was allocated for furniture purchases through the school education department.

However, only Rs9.35 billion was spent, with a substantial Rs7.37 billion of it squandered, during Shah’s tenure. Furniture worth Rs3.21 billion was procured in the fiscal year 2021-22 alone, followed by another Rs4.16 billion spent in 2022-23. Surprisingly, no furniture was purchased during four fiscal years between 2016-17 and 2019-20.

Startling discrepancies in purchase costs are evident from the additional information The News gathered from various sources. Dual tables were apparently purchased for an astronomical Rs29,000 per table, despite the market price being between Rs8,000 and Rs9,000 per table.

Even with inflation, the current market price is expected to be between Rs15,000 and Rs17,000 per table. Despite these irregularities, the National Accountability Bureau has taken no action as regards this mega scandal. Suspicions of corruption have also surfaced at the level of school education directors in a number of locations.

Directors in Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana and Sukkur are accused of paying Rs360 million for tables from a supplier who vanished after receiving the order. Another corruption case involving Rs700 million to Rs800 million resulted in the suspension of the Sukkur school education director and his staff.

The Sindh chief secretary’s report highlights misappropriation of funds, hence proving that despite the mind-boggling expenditures on school furnishings, schools in the province are in a deteriorating state and prone to destruction.

As disclosed in the report after an inspection conducted by the Umerkot family judge, the SHC’s Justice Salahuddin Panhwar has taken action against the supplier involved in the corruption.

The disturbing disclosures raise major concerns about accountability and transparency in the Sindh School Education Department’s procurement practices. The situation of the province’s schools has remained a source of worry due to their poor condition and widespread lack of critical infrastructure, particularly suitable furnishings.

Many schools are facing major issues, ranging from a lack of classroom space to decrepit facilities that jeopardise the learning environment. A lack of appropriate furniture directly hinders students’ capacity to engage in a conducive learning environment, thus the matter demanding a thorough investigation.