LAHORE: The Center for Social Justice (CSJ) on Monday launched its study on 'Quality Education Vs Fanatic Literacy," which is policy analysis on textbooks underlines the potential of religious inclusion and aspects of religious discrimination, and portrayal of religious minorities.

The study co-authored by eminent experts Dr A H Nayyar, Dr Riaz Shaikh, Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy, Tahira Abdullah, Prof Anjum James Paul, Dr Baela Raza Jamil/ Laraib Niaz, and edited by Peter Jacob. The study is a descriptive analysis is particularly relevant because it coincides with the introduction of a Single National Curriculum for primary, secondary and higher secondary classes by the Ministry of Federal Education.

Speakers at the launch which included rights activists and experts Baela Raza Jamil, A H Nayyar, Peter Jacob, Prof Anjum James Paul, Riaz Ahmed Shaikh and Bushra Anjum Butt elaborated on the issues related to education and textbooks.

Baela Raza Jamil, CEO Idara Taleem-o-Agahi, stated that the learning materials such as textbooks were the most powerful means of inculcating positive attitudes among the students building an inclusive society and achieving quality education.

She added that teaching religion in public educational institutions is fraught with tensions, and caused exclusion of minority groups in South Asian countries. She further urged that the New Policy and Single National Curriculum being prepared should focus on improving quality of textbooks and content, aided by an effective implementation plan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020