LAHORE: Punjab government has issued a notification regarding the reopening of all public and private primary and middle schools and universities from February 1, as per the earlier decision made by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC).
The notification shared by the Punjab Education Minister Murad Raas states complete details regarding regarding the reopening of educational institutions from Monday (1 February 2021) and the standard operating procedures (SOPs) that are to be followed by schools and universities.
NOTIFICATION:
— Murad Raas (@DrMuradPTI) January 29, 2021
All Public and Private Primary and Middle Schools to open on February 1st, 2021. All Universities to open on February 1, 2021. The following Notification states all the details regarding the opening of Schools. My request to everyone, please follow SOPs. pic.twitter.com/6Dm5EpjeQn
According to the notification, students from all educational institutions shall attend classes on alternate days to maintain a 50% ratio as per the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued back in September 2020.
Furthermore, the board examinations of SSC / HSSC shall be held in the month of May and June 2021 as per the decision made earlier by the education ministry to allow students time to complete their coursework.
“The Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) communicated earlier shall continue to be followed by the Public Schools.” read the notification, “Assessment criteria and Examinations schedule for 5th and 8th grade shall be communicated separately by the Punjab Examination Commission.”
All concerned authorities must ensure strict implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department and School Education Department, Punjab.
Moreover, the notification states that school timings shall be observed as per the previous practice in winter season till summer schedule.
The reopening of primary and middle schools was scheduled to take place on January 25, however, the federal government gave a one-week extension keeping in view the coronavirus situation across the country.
However, all remaining primary and middle classes will reopen with universities and other higher education institutes from February 1, 2021.
Read more: HEC permits universities to conduct online exams.