Receiving a quality education is a right of every child, be it rich or poor. Education is a pillar of the national building that requires consideration. Critical thinking at the expense of diversity gave rise to the Single National Curriculum in Pakistan. The nation seems pretty happy at the implementation of the new curriculum. On the contrary, some citizens oppose it as a gesture of support to minorities. Do you know how it could affect the education quality? Follow the article you’ll learn everything.
What is Single National Curriculum (SCN)?
A curriculum is a course of study followed to attain maximum knowledge saturation for a particular grade/level. The ideological foundation of Pakistan claims that the tool for prosperity is quality education. In Pakistan, every school follows its own curriculum. It can be based on their staff’s ability to teach, fees, and the city. In this case, the provision of quality education becomes nearly impossible. The only solution to this was an SNC. A three-tier education system in Pakistan includes,
- Elementary (Primary and Middle classes)
- Secondary (Matric and Intermediate)
- University Programs
Aim of SNC Implementation
Phase I
It includes all the primary classes from grades 1-5. It was supposed to be implemented in March 2021. However, finally, the Single National Curriculum implementation in Punjab is done in August 2021.
Phase II:
The second phase comprises secondary classes, including grades 6-8. It would come into action in March 2022.
Phase III:
The last phases consist of matric and intermediate classes, including 9, 10, 11, and 12. It will turn into action from March 2023.
SNC implementation in Punjab
Dr. Shahbaz Gill announced the implementation of phase I of SNC in Punjab. He informed that the plan would be put into action from 2nd August. Further, he called it a dream of PM Imran Khan and PTI’s important manifesto for the province of Punjab.
“On the beginning of the new academic year in Punjab from Monday (August 02), all public and private schools and seminaries up to the primary level will have a single curriculum,”
Shahbaz gill
Moreover, he clarifies that in all the schools, SNC is mandatory. However, the government has allowed the schools to teach an additional subject of their own choice too. Further, this academic plan is a vision of PM Imran Khan that, despite many hurdles, came into action.
What is the purpose of Single National Curriculum in Pakistan?
The single National Curriculum provides a platform for all Pakistani students to polish their skills despite their differences. Moreover, this system cuts off the roots of discrimination and aids in implanting equality. Similarly, eliminating the disparities in various authorities could prove to be useful in the holistic development of students. The key objective is the elimination of a class-based system.
However, reports claim that the syllabus for classes is way difficult than expected. They’ve made major changes to the course that has made it difficult for the primary level students. Moreover, the SNC has adversely affected the employment of private publishers. Further, they’ve removed the concept of regional languages. Hence, they won’t teach any regional language as a subject. However, students will learn about the regional languages but not study them as a subject. Their sole attention is towards Urdu.
Moreover, there is an ambiguity regarding minorities, and it seems like the government has not given them any space. Article 22 of the constitution of Pakistan says that,
“no person attending any educational institution shall be required to receive religious instruction … if such instruction relates to a religion other than his/her own.”
However, there is a footnote on every page prohibiting the teachers from forcing any non-Muslim student to study related stuff. But this doesn’t seem easy to be implemented in a class of students belonging to different religions.
Decision of Sindh, KPK, and Balochistan about Single National Curriculum.
As per the 18th amendment, all the provinces are independent in their decisions related to education. Hence, Sindh rejected this decision, and Saeed Ghani said,
“Education after the passage of 18th Amendment remains a provincial matter. Our review committee did not see any new productive change in the new SNC and we are not going to implement it at all.”
Saeed Ghani
Moreover, the government officials claim that Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtoon Khwah will make progressive changes in due time.
“The government has conveyed concurrence to the federal government with regard to SNC for grade one to five. Its implementation will take place in due course of time.”
Liaqat Shahwani
What do you think about this change in Pakistan’s educational system? Do you think it benefits the children or not? Please share your valuable thoughts with us!
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