The Punjab Energy Department has submitted key recommendations to the government during a growing energy crisis.
The department proposed a series of strict measures ranging from fuel rationing to restrictions on educational and commercial activities.
According to sources, the provincial government is considering introducing a fuel rationing system in Punjab on the pattern of federal measures. This may include a coupon or digital system to ensure fair distribution of petrol and diesel, along with proposals to limit fuel supply to vehicles on specific days.
In the education sector, the energy department has proposed extending holidays for schools and colleges until April 15, along with a hybrid learning system to reduce energy consumption.
The report also suggests making work-from-home policies mandatory for private institutions and imposing a ban on non-essential events.
To conserve energy at the public level, measures such as increasing metro and bus services, switching off LED billboards and decorative lighting, and shifting streetlights to alternate modes after 10pm have been recommended.
Additionally, limiting market operating hours has been proposed to further cut down electricity and fuel usage.
Government sources said a final decision on these recommendations is expected soon, after which implementation will begin across the province.
In addition, Punjab Education Minister has said that reducing summer vacations and ending Saturday holidays are also under consideration.
Earlier this month, school holidays were announced for schools in Punjab from March 16 to 31 as part of an austerity and fuel conservation plan launched by the federal government.
According to the notification, “Heads of Institutions are directed to institute appropriate work-from-home arrangements for up to fifty percent (50pc) of the administrative staff on an alternate-day basis, while ensuring that essential administrative functions of the institutions remain fully operational,” read the notification.
Additionally, it was announced that exams will be held as usual, and BS programs will transition to a fully online mode of instruction with immediate effect, until further notice.
School holidays in KP
Early spring break has been announced for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) educational institutions.
The break will be limited and will start from March 24th for all public and private educational institutions. Due to Eid holidays coming before this spring break, the students will get to enjoy a long week off.
