In a significant policy meeting chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, the Sindh cabinet approved a set of sweeping reforms and decisions on Tuesday. Chief among them was the approval of grace marks for first-year students of the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) who failed their annual examinations.

The move comes in light of a worrying drop in pass rates for 2024, prompting urgent action from education authorities.

Grace Marks for BIEK Class XI Students

The University & Board (U&D) Department presented alarming data on the decline in the pass percentage for Class XI results in 2024. In response, a Special Committee, led by Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, was formed to investigate.

Sub-Committee Recommendations:

The sub-committee, headed by Dr. Sarosh H. Lodi (Vice Chancellor, NED University), proposed the following grace marks to improve student outcomes:

Based on these findings, the Sindh cabinet approved the recommendations.

Note: While the Sindh Boards Ordinance of 1972 does not formally permit grace marks, a similar exemption was granted by the caretaker government in 2023.

Key Highlights of the Sindh Cabinet Meeting

1. Grace Marks Decision

• Approved 20% grace marks in Chemistry, 15% in Physics and Math.
• Applicable to BIEK Class XI students who failed in the 2024 annual exams.
• Intended to mitigate academic disruption and restore confidence in the board’s evaluation system.

2. Reform of Examination Boards

CM Murad Ali Shah also voiced concern over ongoing mismanagement within educational boards and ordered:

• Formation of a high-level committee to inspect all educational boards across Sindh.
• Investigation of irregularities, malpractice, and administrative failures.
• Submission of a detailed report with corrective recommendations.

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Environmental Decision: Province-Wide Ban on Plastic Bags

Another landmark decision included the approval of the Sindh Prohibition of Non-Degradable Plastic Products Rules (Amendment) 2014, leading to a province-wide ban on the manufacture, sale, and use of plastic shopping bags.

Details of the Ban:

• Types banned: All plastic bags, including non-degradable and oxo-degradable types.
• Implementation timeline: The ban will take effect 60 days after cabinet approval.
• Goal: To support ecological preservation, reduce pollution, and enhance waste management.

Reasons Behind the Ban:

• Alarming increase in plastic pollution across urban and rural areas.
• Concerns about clogged waterways, drainage systems, and long-term ecological damage.
• A step toward aligning with global environmental sustainability standards.

Public Safety: Electronic Monitoring of Habitual Offenders

The cabinet also approved the implementation of electronic monitoring systems for repeat criminal offenders.

Monitoring Mechanism:

• Use of anklets and bracelets equipped with tracking devices.
• Targeted at individuals with a record of repeat offenses.
• Aimed at reducing reoffending and easing the burden on law enforcement.

Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE)

To combat radicalization and promote peace, the cabinet approved the establishment of a Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE).

Objectives of the Centre:

• Develop strategies to counter radical narratives.
• Conduct research and training in deradicalization.
• Collaborate with civil society and law enforcement.

This initiative reflects the provincial government's commitment to addressing growing security and ideological challenges among the youth.

Bullet Summary: Major Cabinet Approvals

• 20% grace marks in Chemistry, 15% in Physics and Math for BIEK Class XI students.

• Formation of a high-level investigative committee for all education boards.

• Province-wide ban on plastic bags effective in 60 days.

• Launch of electronic monitoring for repeat offenders.

• Establishment of the CVE Centre to address extremism.

The recent Sindh cabinet meeting marked a pivotal moment for the province, as it addressed urgent academic, environmental, and public safety concerns. From granting grace marks to struggling students to banning plastic bags and implementing digital surveillance for criminals, the decisions reflect a multidimensional approach to governance under CM Murad Ali Shah.

The cabinet’s actions highlight an intention to reform institutional systems, enhance social accountability, and create a sustainable and secure future for the people of Sindh.