Latest news with #ETEA
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PA panel seeks probe into exam scandal
A meeting of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly's Standing Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education, chaired by MPA Taj Mohammad, convened to address serious concerns surrounding recent controversies in the education sector, including the Mardan Board examination paper leak scandal. The session was attended by prominent members of the provincial assembly, including Iftikhar Mashwani, Ahmad Kundi, Asma Alam, Shehla Bano, Sobia Shahid, Zubair Khan, Muhammad Aftab Haider, Hamidur Rehman, and Abdul Salam Khan. The committee was given a comprehensive briefing on the Mardan Board scandal, where members expressed grave reservations over the conduct of the Board's Controller. They alleged that the official had misled the committee in previous proceedings by providing false statements, prompting the committee to order a thorough inquiry into the matter. Lawmakers further accused an organized group of monopolizing examination-related duties by assigning responsibilities and exam hall allocations to hand-picked individuals, allegedly to facilitate cheating for preferred candidates. The committee demanded an end to such favoritism and called for strict merit-based reforms. In addition, concerns were raised over the persistent non-compliance with transfer orders within the Education Department, both between schools and administrative offices. The department was directed to investigate the issue and present a detailed report in the next session. The committee was also informed that in some districts, the passing criteria for female candidates in the ETEA test had been lowered from 50% to 33% in an effort to fill vacant posts, following widespread underperformance. This controversial adjustment sparked further debate over the integrity of recruitment practices. The committee concluded by emphasizing the need for transparent investigations into all issues raised, urging that merit be upheld and all recommendations be implemented without delay to restore public trust in the province's education system. Meanwhile, the fourth meeting of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Task Force of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly was held in the Assembly's conference room under the chairmanship of Deputy Convener MPA Arif Ahmadzai.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
K-P government saves over Rs111 billion
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has successfully saved over Rs111 billion by maintaining fiscal discipline during the first three quarters of the ongoing fiscal year 202425. Figures released by the federal government reveal that K-P received Rs1,031.26 billion in total financial resources over the nine-month period. Of this amount, Rs824.86 billion came from the federal government under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. In addition, the province generated Rs46.20 billion through its own tax revenues and Rs40.17 billion from non-tax sources. The federal government also provided Rs120 billion in loans and grants, including Rs38.58 billion in loans, Rs54.99 billion in current grants, and Rs26.43 billion in development grants. During this period, the K-P government spent a total of Rs919.95 billion. Of this, Rs759.56 billion was allocated to current expenditures, while Rs13.75 billion was paid to the federal government for debt servicing (markup payments). Furthermore, the federal government spent Rs147 billion on development projects in K-P under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has taken serious notice of alleged irregularities in the recent screening test for school teacher recruitment conducted by the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA). He has directed the Chief Secretary to initiate a high-level inquiry into the matter. A formal letter from the Chief Minister's Secretariat expressed deep concern over reports of misconduct and a potential paper leak during the test held in Bannu on May 10. Initial findings revealed that several individuals were apprehended at a private guesthouse while the exam was still in progress. They were allegedly found in possession of test papers, bubble sheets, laptops, and scanning machinesraising serious questions about the integrity of the examination process. The Chief Minister termed the reported irregularities a grave violation of merit and transparency. He instructed that a senior officeror a committee of officersbe appointed to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible, and recommend strict disciplinary action. "ETEA is currently overseeing teacher recruitment examinations across the province. Any malpractice not only jeopardizes the future of candidates but also erodes public trust in the system," the letter stated. The Chief Minister further directed that the inquiry should not only address the immediate incident but also assess systemic vulnerabilities within ETEA's operations. Legal and administrative action has been urged against any individuals or institutions found guilty of misconduct or negligence. Additionally, the Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education has been instructed to review examination arrangements across all districts, ensure robust monitoring, and improve coordination between local administrations and ETEA staff. A comprehensive report on the incident has been demanded within 15 days.
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
866,152 candidates apply for K-P teaching posts
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa elementary and secondary education department has received an overwhelming 866,152 applications for 16,454 vacancies across various teaching cadres. According to the Education Testing and Evaluation Authority (ETEA), the applicant pool includes 470,661 men and 395,487 women. Additionally, 7,161 physically-challenged and four transgender candidates have also applied for CT and PST cadre positions. Notable among the applicants are 406 PhD holders. To ensure a fair and transparent recruitment process, ETEA Executive Director Adil Saeed Safi announced a three-phase evaluation system. The process will begin with the screening test, followed by a computer-based test, and conclude with a quality check phase, where candidates' credentials and identities will be verified. Adil Safi added that the first phase of testing will commence immediately after Eid, with examinations for Arabic Teachers, CT-IT Teachers, and Qari positions expected to be conducted in the second week of April. A comprehensive strategy has been developed in collaboration with all relevant institutions to uphold transparency and merit-based selection, ensuring a recruitment process free from any irregularities.
