The Role of Devolution in Shaping Balochistan Education Sector Plans (2013-2018 and 2020-2025)

Abstract

This paper examines the Balochistan Education Sector Plans (BESP) for 2013 – 2018 and BESP 2020 – 2025 to critically assess the education policies of Balochistan after the devolution of power to provinces. The study employs qualitative content analysis to investigate if, how, and/or why such policies have improved since the 2010, addressed the province’s educational challenges, and involved stakeholders in the policymaking process. It shows that the plans focus on access, equity, and quality improvement, including measures to increase the school infrastructure, both through the initiation of Alternate Learning Pathways (ALP), as well as reforming the teacher training. Now, based on a much broader plan from 2020-2025, the goal is expanding the scope to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), data-driven decision-making and a more holistic approach. However, deep-seated issues like weak implementation, political meddling, teacher absenteeism, and dependence on outside funding make headway slow. The study finds that the polices are well-designed and relevant to their contexts, but will only succeed if backed by improved governance, sustainable financing, and local engagement. These findings also have wider implications for educational policy across Pakistan in demonstrating the importance of systemic reform to promote such provincial initiatives for enabling long term educational development across Balochistan.