THE Punjab education minister recently announced that his government is going to merge the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB), the Punjab Examination Commission (PEC) and the Quaid-i-Azam Academy for Educational Development (QAED), which is the training wing of the education department. The stated reasons for the merger are the need for a) better coordination among these departments, b) reforms in each of these bodies, and c) the introduction of private sector expertise in these areas.

No doubt, a lot of reforms are needed in each of these departments. The PCTB does not do much curriculum work, following, instead, the federally suggested curriculum. However, it has made textbook publishing a lucrative and rent-seeking business. Many call the textbook publishing business a ‘mafia’. The entire textbook industry needs reforms.

QAED teacher and principal trainings leave much to be desired. The quality of training needs serious overhaul as do the models for the delivery of training and support. The PEC has taken significant strides in developing testing services and support for schools over the last few years. They need to keep developing in this direction. So, clearly we need many reforms, but how is this an argument for a merger?

Similarly, the laws and policies pertaining to these departments/ bodies can be amended to allow for the appointment of people from the private sector. We do not need a merger for that. And better coordination is needed, but, again, when has the need for coordination been a reason for merger? The core functions........

© Dawn