Private schools in limbo over federal, provincial policies

Private schools in Punjab are in limbo after the federal government and the provincial government introduced two different policies about the reopening of the schools, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.

President of Serving Schools and Colleges Association of Pakistan Mian Riza-ur-Rahman condemned the Punjab government for not restoring regular classes in the schools. 

It may be recalled that Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood on Thursday announced that all schools will go back to regular five-day classes from Monday, March 1 as restrictions imposed in some major cities on schools to conduct staggered classes was only till February 28.

However, the Punjab government allowed 50 percent attendance like in the COVID-19 pandemic days, in seven districts of the province including Lahore, Gujrat, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sialkot, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad.

The notification reads, “This amendment shall be subject by the competent authority after March 31, 2021.”  

Riza-ur-Rahman demanded the Punjab government to resume the classes five-day a week as per the policy of the federal government. “We have already suffered losses due to the coronavirus,” he said.

He further added, “Schools are already facing problems in preparation for the examinations. “We urge the Punjab government to review its policy and allow schools in all districts to conduct five-day classes,” he made the appeal.