LHC mandates re-registration of schools across Punjab

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the re-registration of all schools in Punjab within a month, emphasising strict compliance with court orders, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel.

The decision was announced during a hearing on Monday, where the court also gave the Education Department a 15-day deadline to draft comprehensive rules for school bus safety.

Secretary Schools Khalid Nazir Watto and CEO Schools Education Nazir Hussain were summoned to court for failing to enforce earlier directives.

The high court had previously ordered that no school without a proper bus system should be registered.

Despite these orders, the Education Department proceeded to renew registrations for all schools, prompting the court to express its dissatisfaction.

Contempt notices were issued to education officers, requiring them to submit detailed replies regarding their non-compliance.

The LHC’s ruling aims to ensure enhanced safety measures for students, particularly in terms of transportation.

Education authorities have been warned to adhere strictly to these new regulations to avoid further legal consequences.

Secretary for school education calls meeting of big school chains 

Schools Education Department Punjab Secretary Khalid Nazir Wattoo has called a meeting of the big school chains tomorrow (December 31) on the instructions of the Lahore High Court.

According to the channel report, the secretary said registrations will be given only to those schools that will buy their own buses for pickup and drop.

Private schools urge review of decision, citing lack of resources for buses

The private school owners in Lahore have raised concerns regarding the recent decision to mandate the purchase of buses by schools as part of efforts to tackle smog and environmental pollution.

The private school owners assert that around 95% of private schools lack the resources to procure buses for their students. 

They emphasise that providing public transportation should be the responsibility of the government, as outlined in the constitutional mandate.

The owners have requested a review of the decision, stressing that the move to enforce school-run buses without considering their capacity could be unfair. 

The private school owners argue that the government's focus should be on improving public transportation systems rather than putting the burden on private educational institutions.

Furthermore, the owners call for a fair hearing for all stakeholders before any punitive action is taken against schools. They argue that any such action should be based on consultations with all involved parties.

Reporters: Malik Ashraf and Junaid Riaz