The Punjab government has banned educational activities in dangerous school buildings and dilapidated classrooms across the province, directing all government, private and outsourced schools to ensure students’ safety.
According to a notification issued by the Directorate of Public Instruction (Secondary Education), Punjab, Qaiser Rashid, school heads have been instructed not to allow students to sit or study in any building, classroom or section of school premises declared structurally unsafe. The notification directs school administrations to immediately evacuate dangerous buildings and stop using unsafe classrooms. Where necessary, students must be shifted to safe classrooms or nearby schools.
The department has made it clear that no unsafe building or classroom can be used again without clearance from the relevant authorised technical body. It warned that school heads would be held responsible for negligence in government schools if an accident occurs due to non-compliance with the instructions. In private schools, the owners or administrations will be accountable, while operators or administrations will be responsible in outsourced institutions. Supervisory officers may also face action if negligence is established. Legal action will be taken against those found violating the directives, the notification stated.
Chief executive officers of district education authorities, district education officers, deputy district education officers and assistant education officers have been directed to ensure immediate implementation and strict monitoring of the orders in their respective areas. The department stressed that children’s safety is its top priority and that no violation of the instructions will be tolerated.