JAMSHORO: 18, SEPTEMBER, 2020: Sindh Textbook Board on Friday has denounced all allegations against it published in a daily Sindhi. 

In a statement, Sindh Textbook Board administration, said that newly posted chairman of Sindh Textbook Board Ahmed Bux Narejo had take over charge of board on 18 March during coronavirus epidemic when whole business of life including educational institutions, printing presses, markets and shops remained closed under lockdown.

During this period, chairman of STBB Ahmed Bux Narjo after getting permission from  home ministry arranged the opening of STBB offices and also  printing presses under government SOPs for publication of books. After this process of printing of books and their access to STBB got started. 

Spokesman of Board said that after printing of books the process of sending same to primary schools was started  from 28 June 2020 and completed by July 28,2020. Apart from it the process of sending books to secondary schools started from 15 August 2020 which has also been completed in 28 districts of Sindh while books would be sent to remaining one district by 18 September.

Board spokesman further said schedule of transporting of books has been sent to Sindh education minister Saeed Ghani, directors of schools of Sindh district education officers and concerned authorities and all have expressed satisfaction on it.

He added that all the concerned were informed about sending books to schools by 31 August 2020 but due to torrential rains schools and their stores were inundated by rain water which caused delay in sending books. Another reason for delay in transportation of books was due to rain water was standing in book stores which could have caused loss to books.

Spokesman further said that the newspaper had alleged that chairman had attended office only 3 times in 6 months which allegation is unfounded while fact is that chairman has been working for betterment of board and has been attending office regularly. He has also been busy at camp office Karachi supervising the printing and transportation of books to schools and even during corona lockdown he has been visiting printing presses and issuing directives about printing of  books that is why we have always been successful in this process.

Spokesman said despite holding charge of secretary education Ahmed Bux Narejo was giving full time to STBB. He said allegations of giving no attention to board and not attending office are unfounded and aimed failed attempt to  ill reputation of board.

Denouncing charges of non payment to publishers and transporters spokesman said publishers and transporters were extending their full cooperation that is why publication and transportation of books has been made in time.

Board has also refuted charges of providing only 30% books to schools by saying that 3638708 sets of books containing 17521654 books have been distributed.

Spokesman said with personal efforts of chairman and secretary the work for publishing and transportation of books has successfully been completed. 

STBB administration has made it clear that all officers and workers of board without caring allegation cast against them have resolved to continue their services for betterment of board. (04)