Quetta: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti presided over a review meeting on the performance of the Balochistan Textbook Board, focusing on curriculum alignment and cost-saving measures. The session, held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, was attended by key provincial education officials, including Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani and Chairman of the Balochistan Textbook Board Gulab Khan Khilji.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, the curriculum in Balochistan is being aligned with the national curriculum, with scanning bar codes being added to each page of newly printed books to facilitate online guidance for teachers. The contract for publishing books was awarded to the lowest bidder among reputable firms, resulting in an anticipated direct saving of Rs 750 million and total savings of Rs 1 billion when considering annual inflation and other expenses.

Chief Minister Bugti expressed satisfaction with the Balochistan Textbook Board’s performance, commending Chairman Khilji for his efforts in curriculum development and research activities. He directed education department officials to ensure the timely delivery of government textbooks to schools and requested a report on a mechanism for textbook distribution at the union council level within 10 days. Bugti also emphasized the importance of encouraging competent officers and protecting their postings from undue influence.

The Chief Minister noted the appreciation from the Punjab Textbook Board for Balochistan’s educational reforms, marking it as a positive recognition of the provincial government’s efforts. At the conclusion of the meeting, Bugti awarded a certificate of excellence to Chairman Khilji for his exceptional performance.