Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood said on Thursday that the government wanted to introduce a ‘unanimous’ academic calendar in the country, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Talking to the media after attending the meeting of education ministers of all the four provinces, he said it meant that admissions to educational institutions, students’ examinations and vacations should be held as per the declared schedule.
He further said that it had been decided at the meeting that unlike last year when the syllabuses had to be cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year students would complete their syllabuses. “Matriculation and intermediate exams will be held in May and June this academic year,” he said.
He added various programmes were discussed at the meeting to make up for the academic loss to the students caused due to the pandemic. “Under one of such projects, which to be supported by the World Bank, and to be run by both the federal and provincial governments, boundary walls of schools, particularly of girls’ schools, and toilets will be built,” the minister elaborated.
He further said that kits such as soaps and sanitizers would be provided to schools across the country so that the students and teachers could protect themselves against the Covid-19. “Apart from that, it was also decided that the coordination between the Centre and federating units will be strengthened to bring about improvements in the education sector,” he added.
Reporter Ahsan Chandio