Continuous holidays in schools and colleges across the province have begun to affect students’ academic progress, with both teachers and students facing difficulties in preparing for the annual ninth-grade and intermediate examinations.
Private schools have now demanded changes to next year’s board examination schedule due to ongoing disruptions. According to the Serving Schools Association President, Raza-ur-Rehman, frequent holidays have made it difficult to complete the academic syllabus, while the academic calendar has already been reduced to around 130 days.
He stated that authorities should allow schools to remain open three to four days a week so students can complete their studies effectively.
The association president further said that the academic calendar in Punjab has remained incomplete for several years, negatively impacting educational standards. He also highlighted limited internet accessibility, noting that only 15 to 20 per cent of students in the country have access to online education, making virtual learning largely ineffective.
Earlier, the Punjab Energy Department 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 10 pm 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.
