Private school organisations in Punjab have expressed serious concern over the delay in issuing the official academic calendar, even as the new academic year has already begun, according to media reports.
School owners have urged the provincial Secondary Education Department to immediately release the final academic calendar, warning against further delays in the matter.
They said that, in view of changing weather conditions, it is essential to have a clear schedule for holidays, examinations, and other academic activities to ensure that the education system runs smoothly throughout the year.
The school owners emphasised that, as per law, at least 210 teaching days must be ensured in a year. They added that sudden and unannounced holidays not only disrupt students’ learning but also create serious uncertainty and anxiety for schools, parents, and students.
Stakeholders noted that the education department had already sought suggestions from private schools while drafting the academic calendar and had agreed with most of them. However, despite the passage of time, the calendar has still not been officially implemented.
The delay has drawn strong criticism, as the Punjab Education Minister has repeatedly announced the introduction of a comprehensive academic calendar, but the promise has yet to move beyond paperwork.
Private schools have therefore demanded that the government end this uncertainty and provide a clear and consistent framework for the entire academic year.
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