Private schools across Punjab have urged the Punjab School Education Department to finalize and publish the province’s academic calendar, expressing concern over the continued delay despite the start of the new academic year.
School owners said the absence of an official academic schedule has created uncertainty regarding holidays, examinations, and other educational activities.
Schools Seek Clear Schedule for Academic Activities
According to representatives of private educational institutions, a well-defined academic calendar is essential for effective planning throughout the year.
They said schools need advance information regarding:
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Public and seasonal holidays
π Examination schedules
π« Academic activities and events
π Teaching periods and syllabus completion
Stakeholders noted that changing weather conditions in Punjab make proper academic planning even more important.
Schools Demand at Least 210 Teaching Days
Private school representatives emphasized the need to ensure:
π At least 210 teaching days annually
They warned that frequent and unannounced holidays negatively affect:
- Students’ learning continuity
- Syllabus completion
- Examination preparation
- School operations
- Parents’ planning and arrangements
Recommendations Submitted but Calendar Still Pending
According to stakeholders, the School Education Department had previously sought recommendations from private schools while preparing the academic calendar.
School representatives claimed that authorities had reportedly agreed with several of their proposals. However, despite the passage of considerable time, the calendar has yet to be officially released.
Delay Draws Criticism
The delay has attracted criticism from private educational institutions, which pointed out that:
π€ Rana Sikandar Hayat
has repeatedly announced plans to introduce a comprehensive academic calendar for Punjab’s schools.
However, no final document has been issued so far.
Call for Immediate Release of Academic Calendar
Private schools have called on the Punjab government to:
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Finalize the academic calendar immediately
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Remove uncertainty in the education sector
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Provide a predictable framework for schools and parents
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Ensure better planning of educational activities
School owners said a timely and comprehensive academic calendar would help educational institutions manage teaching schedules more effectively and minimize disruptions during the academic year.
