Karachi: Private schools in Sindh continue to defy government mandates by enforcing their own policies on uniforms and school fees, exacerbating concerns among parents and education activists. Despite explicit orders from the Directorate of Education not to sell school uniforms, books, and other supplies, numerous private schools have been reported to compel parents to purchase these items directly from them. Additionally, these institutions are accused of collecting two months’ worth of fees at once, leaving the Education Department’s oversight lacking in effectiveness.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, the failure of the Education Department to enforce its directives has allowed private schools to operate without sufficient oversight, turning education into a commercial enterprise rather than a public service. He emphasized the need for immediate action against these practices to ensure fairness and accessibility in education.

The issue also highlights a broader systemic problem where governmental educational institutions have steadily lost public trust due to poor performance, leading families to depend heavily on private education. Chandiwala further criticized the burgeoning ‘education mafia’ within the private sector, which prioritizes profit over educational quality, thereby imposing significant financial burdens on families and narrowing educational opportunities for children from less affluent backgrounds.

In response, the Directorate of Inspection and Registration in Sindh has been urged to take stringent measures against non-compliant schools to safeguard the rights of students and their families. The ongoing neglect by government bodies and the alleged collusion among educational officers have not only fostered a disparity in education accessibility but also underscored the urgent need for reform within the sector.