KABUL - The Ministry of Education (MoE) on Sunday confirmed 1005 schools remained closed across the country due to insecurity and other reasons.
Acting MoE Minister Dr. Asadullah Mohaqiq told this to the Meshrano Jirga or upper house while briefing the MPs about the education process in the country.
Without giving details, he said 1005 schools had been closed due to security threats, but said efforts were underway to reopen them in order students could continue their education.
He confirmed the shortage of textbooks and professional teachers and said: “The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has not approved even a single position in the past three years. In the past, the ministry would approve 11,000 positions each year.”
Mohaqiq said 42,000 teachers were needed and at least 16,000 teacher posts should be announced and approved for next year.
To a question, he said: “Ninety-eight percent of school books in three official languages have been printed and would be taught immediately after teacher positions are approved.”
The minister said the MoE was not satisfied with salaries paid to teachers, but the current salaries were paid in consideration of available resources.
He said 90 percent of teachers had been registered with the Rank System and the rest would be also registered after a test.
MoE officials say teachers in the Rank System are given 7,500 afghanis to 35,000 afghanis salary while those not registered in the system receive 5,000 to 8,000 afghanis salaries.
Mohaqiq also said 40 percent of 16,000 schools in the country lacked buildings. The MoE has repeatedly reminded the shortage of budget to the Ministry of Finance, but to no avail, he said.  (Pajhwok)