PUL-I-KHUMRI (SW): A number of teachers in Baghlan province claim the Taliban have imposed their own set of rules in public schools, including imposition of financial penalties, and removal of certain subjects from the syllabus.
Confirming these claims, Ferozuddin Aimaq, member of the provincial council, told Salam Watandar that the militants in Dehen-e-Ghori district have barred the teachers from teaching the subjects of English and Sports in the schools. The teachers said they are made to pay up to AFN 500 for absence for whatever reasons. Aimaq said it is ironic that the expenses for schools are paid by the government, but are administered by the Taliban.
Aimaq claimed the Taliban have full control over education, justice and other departments in their areas of influence. He warned if the government failed to reclaim this district from the militants, the Taliban’s clout would expand further.
A source privy to the situation, told Salam Watandar that the Taliban charged many teachers for missing the schools during the national day of mourning declared by the government. It has been a year since the district is under the influence of the Taliban.
Meanwhile, Ghulam Mohaiudin Paikan, director for education in the province, has rejected these claims. He said no official complaint from the teachers in Dehen-e-Ghori district have been received.
ENDS
