The Punjab government has introduced a new rule for private schools to improve the safety of school buildings, according to reports today.
Under the new policy, every private school must obtain a building fitness certificate before getting registered or renewing its registration.
The decision was made after recent incidents in Kahna and Baghbanpura raised concerns about the condition and safety of private school buildings. The government said that the new policy is meant to help prevent such accidents in the future.
Punjab building fitness certificates
According to the new rules, schools must get a building fitness certificate from a civil engineer registered with the Pakistan Engineering Council or from an approved engineering company.
The government introduced the new system after the Communication and Works Department stopped issuing building fitness certificates.
The School Education Department has sent instructions to deputy commissioners and Chief Executive Officers of Education across Punjab. They have been directed to make sure the new policy is followed in all districts.
Officials said any private school that does not submit a valid building fitness certificate will not receive registration or renewal.
Private schools have also been told to make sure their buildings meet all safety. And legal requirements to protect students, teachers and staff.
The government said the main goal of the new policy is to make school buildings safer. And reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
Fulbright scholarships
The United States announced 85 Fulbright scholarships for talented Pakistani students and researchers to pursue higher education in the US. The selected students attended a two day orientation seminar organised by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) in Islamabad.
Speaking at the event, US Chargé d’Affaires Andrew Haviland said Pakistan is home to one of the world’s largest Fulbright programmes.
