Implementation of Decentralization in Education in Pakistan: Framework, Status and the Way forward

Abstract

Gauging the rate of successful implementation of the Devolution Plan 2000 and providing recommendations for the future.

The paper aims to explore the success of the decentralization plan at district, school and community level and ascertain the key challenges within the implementation of the devolution plan at various tiers of the education system. Document analysis based on secondary research reveals devolution plan was not properly executed as federal level powers, duties and responsibilities were not delegated at a district level which prevented the community from taking part in the decision making process. The study highlights the political upheavals in Pakistan that impacted the proper implementation of the devolution plan. Despite the fact that provincial governments are now responsible for setting the curriculum and framing the syllabus, there is still evidence of centralization of powers and inability to delegate decision making at a lower level. The study holds that the partial failure of the policy can be attributed to the lack of training and capacity building at the district level. The author concludes that Pakistan would need to design future courses of action for the success of the policy and this would initially require commitment by the government authorities and the community.  Qualified personnel, collaboration of major stakeholders and promptitude of relevant authorities can lead to successful implementation of devolution plan which would in turn enhance the sustainability of the education system.

Publishing Year: 2011

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