Senate Body To Discuss Educational Equivalence For A, O Level

Senate body to discuss educational equivalence for A, O level

ISLAMABAD (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Jan, 2017 ) : Deputy Chairman Senate Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri on Friday sent the matter of equivalence for A and O level degrees to Senate Standing Committee on Education to discuss the issue and remove discrimination, if any.

The decision was taken on a Calling Attention Notice by Senator Ayesha Raza and botht the Minister for Provincial Coordination Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Baleeghur Rehman did not oppose the proposal.

The Senator had drawn the attention of the Minister for Provincial Coordination towards equivalence of grades for the A and O level student when they achieve A star grade. She had contested that in cases where the students secure A star grade, they are allocated 90 percent marks while in local boards, the student achieve more than 90 percent marks.

Therefore, the O and A level students are deprived of competitive marks. The Senator had proposed to review this mechanism as well as ask the Cambridge board to also mention the marks of the students when they are awarded grades.

Minister for Provincial Coordination Riaz Hussain Pirzada said, the Senator had validly raised the point and there was need to look into this matter afresh to rationalize it because students studying in local school may also have an objection on such a review.

He said a 46-member Board has finalized this criteria that comprises members from all segments of educations arena. Therefore, the House deems appropriate to review this mechanism, the matter can be referred to concerned Standing Committee of the House as his ministry has no objection on the matter.

Supplementing his comments, the Minister of State for Federal Education said the students who achieve O and A level are also brilliant student like those studying at local schools and colleges.

Therefore, they also deserve equal treatment because they are disadvantaged when they compete with local institutions students while taking admission in higher classes. He informed the House that the government has also prepared a plan which is under execution for improvement in our education system.

"We have decided in principle to change our examination system and steps are underway for the purpose". Finding consensus on the matter, the Deputy Chairman referred it to Senate Standing Committee on Education.