Decision to extend school holidays due next week

Punjab Provincial Minister for School Education Murad Raas on Friday while talking to a press conference in Lahore said that in just 45 days 246,000 students in Punjab have returned to schools and among them, 157,000 girls were registered. However, he pledged to reach a target of 1 million by year-end.

My Press Conference on Enrolment Drive. In 45 days we have enrolled 246,000 children in these COVID conditions. More than 155,000 girls. Remarkable work done by our team at School Education Department. pic.twitter.com/08o4SegvRk

— Murad Raas (@DrMuradPTI) March 19, 2021

The original record along B-form is being collected at the time of admissions.

Minister further said a decision regarding the holidays would be made after reviewing the COVID-19 situation in the province.  A meeting would also be arranged before reopening of the schools however a plan for private schools would also be submitted to the (National Command Operation Center) NCOC.

A uniform education system will be implemented in August. Anyone who wants to protest against a uniform education system should do so while 70% of schools in Punjab have less than 5000 fees, added Mr Rass.

Flanked by Dr Raas, Firdous Ashiq Awan, who was present at the press conference, said that COVID-19 SOPs are not being implemented in the province. The marriage halls and markets will be clarified next week while the coronavirus third wave in Lahore and Punjab is worrisome.

However, both the leaders ignored COVID-19 SOPs while speaking to the media and were also seen gossiping in each other's ears without wearing mask hence not maintain the social distance.