Sindh has made remarkable strides in technical education and vocational training over the past several decades, transitioning from a limited capacity at the time of Pakistan's independence to a robust network of 252 institutions across the province today.

One of the central figures in the recent success of the Sindh Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (STEVTA) has been Zia Solangi, the Director of Finance at STEVTA. His strategic leadership and diligent efforts have played an instrumental role in streamlining the financial functions of STEVTA, ensuring its growth and continued impact on the youth of Sindh.

During an exclusive interview session with 'Daily National Courier', it came to light that Zia Solangi's tenure at STEVTA has been marked by his relentless focus on the financial health and efficiency of the authority.

In a system where financial irregularities or inefficiencies can impede progress, Solangi recognized early on the importance of a robust, transparent, and timely financial process. His comprehensive approach towards financial management helped stabilize and elevate STEVTA's financial practices, ensuring smooth operations and long-term sustainability.

While talking exclusively to this scribe, Zia Solangi said that several years ago, employees at STEVTA were facing delays of up to 2 to 3 months in receiving their salaries, leading to discontent and morale issues. Recognizing the impact of this issue on both employee satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Following to which I took immediate steps to rectify the situation through strategic financial planning and management, and not only addressed the salary delays but also ensured that employees are paid on time, every time.

This is one of Solangi's greatest contributions related to timely salary disbursements for STEVTA employees. His commitment to ensuring timely compensation has greatly improved employee satisfaction and productivity at STEVTA.

In addition to addressing salary issues, Mr. Zia Solangi has shown immense empathy and consideration for the well-being of STEVTA employees. Understanding the strain caused by inflation and rising living costs in Pakistan, Solangi worked tirelessly to implement policies aimed at providing maximum relief to employees.

He advocated for salary increments and compensation adjustments, ensuring that the hardworking staff of STEVTA was not only paid on time but also adequately compensated given the economic challenges faced by the country.

Zia Solangi told this scribe that under the visionary leadership of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chairman of STEVTA Mr. Junaid Buland, and Managing Director Mr. Munawar Ali Mithani, STEVTA has experienced exponential growth in recent years, with a clear focus on expanding its reach to rural and far-flung areas of Sindh.

The team has recognized the immense potential of technical education and vocational training in empowering the youth of Sindh, and they have taken proactive steps to make high-quality education accessible to all.

Solangi's financial acumen has played a key role in facilitating these expansion efforts. He has worked behind the scenes to ensure that funding is allocated efficiently to the expansion of STEVTA's network of institutions, ensuring that resources are directed toward areas where they will have the most significant impact. Under his leadership, the financial backbone of the institution has been strengthened, allowing for the establishment of new training centers and the modernization of existing ones.

One of the most innovative and forward-thinking initiatives championed by Mr. Zia Solangi has been the establishment of international training programs for STEVTA students.

In a bid to equip Sindh's youth with global-standard skills, a group of students was recently sent to China for specialized training courses. This international exposure not only enhances the students' technical competencies but also opens up countless opportunities for them to seek employment both locally and abroad.

These international training programs are part of a larger strategy to create a skilled workforce capable of competing in the global job market.

After completing their certification courses in China, the students will return to Pakistan equipped with cutting-edge skills and expertise that will contribute to the development of Sindh's industrial and economic sectors.

Furthermore, new batches of students are expected to be sent to other countries in the near future, further expanding their horizons and fostering a generation of highly trained professionals.

The transformative leadership of Mr. Zia Solangi at STEVTA has been instrumental in elevating the institution's financial management, improving employee welfare, and ensuring that the youth of Sindh have access to world-class technical education and vocational training.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 10 2025

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