The Balochistan government has abolished the Saturday holiday in all government schools across the province. As a result, public schools will now operate six days a week.
According to an official notification issued by the provincial government, Sunday will now be the only weekly holiday for all government schools. Schools will remain open from Monday through Saturday.
The Balochistan Education Department has formally issued a notification confirming the end of the Saturday holiday.
Punjab schools to open on alternate Saturdays
In a separate development, the Punjab government has announced, according to reports on Friday, that it may review the school academic calendar after private schools objected to the long summer vacations in the province.
The Education Minister of Punjab, Rana Sikandar Hayat, while speaking to a private TV channel, said that long holidays negatively affect students’ education. He agreed with the concerns that had been raised by private schools.
He said that the government is considering a proposal to open schools on alternate Saturdays after the summer vacations.
Further, the minister added that the new academic calendar will be prepared after consultation with private schools.
He also said that an alternative plan will be made in case schools have to close suddenly due to any situation.
The minister said that the Friday holiday also caused a loss in studies. According to him, schools should remain open for 180 days in a year, but at present, they are functioning for only around 140 days.
Summer camps in Punjab schools likely
Rana Sikandar Hayat further said that the government is planning to allow summer camps for 30 to 45 days.
He said long breaks disturb students’ learning, which is why the government is considering summer camps and different schedules.
The minister said that decisions about vacations must consider the conditions of the whole province.
He also added that the extreme heat in South Punjab must also be taken into account before making any final decision.
He said many private schools have air conditioning facilities. However, the situation in government schools, especially in South Punjab, is different. According to him, the government has to maintain a balance between students’ education, weather conditions, and available facilities across Punjab.
Private schools seek permission for summer camps
Private schools in Punjab have sought permission to organise summer camps to make up for the educational loss during the summer holidays.
School owners said the government should allow them to organise early-morning summer camps during the summer holidays, according to reports. This is to maintain the continuity of students’ studies.