The reports that the schools may be closed for three days a week as part of fuel-saving measures due to the persisting conflict in the Middle East have been denied by the Education Minister of Punjab, Rana Sikandar Hayat.
The reports suggested that a three-day off was a compromise of cutting down on school days to save on fuel and transportation and other operating expenses. Hayat, however, has rejected the reports, contending that closing schools would not result in much fuel savings.
In a statement, the Punjab education minister said that he has not received any official proposal or notification on the report so far. He also raised doubts about the impact of school closures on Friday as a fuel-saving strategy.
Hayat said closing schools for another day would have little impact on the amount of diesel used or other running costs. He pointed out that the majority of students studying in government schools already walked to their schools and that would not be significantly affected by the change.
The minister said that about 90% of students in government schools come to school on foot as opposed to using vehicles or public transport. Thus, school closings on Fridays would not substantially cut back on fuel used by students and their families.
A similar situation prevails in the private education sector, Hayat added. More than 90 per cent of students at private schools also walk to school, he said, limiting the potential saving in fuel that can be achieved just by closing more schools.
The Minister of Education called on the Federal Government to look into exempting the education sector from any restriction on fuel utilisation which may impact on normal academic activities. He confirmed that the schools’ current schedules will be followed and that they will be open on all teaching days.
Hayat emphasised the importance of considering the real situation of students and educational institutions when taking any action to conserve fuel.
The report comes amid worries about fuel supplies and prices affecting the broader regional dynamics. But no official statement has been made yet regarding the cancellation of three days in the schools of Punjab.