While addressing a press conference, the Provincial Minister of Sindh for Labour, Education, Literacy and Human Resource said that all educational institutions will open on February 1 as decided by the National Command and Control Centre (NCOC). The school administrations will be forced to ensure proper guidelines.
Saeed Ghani said that the 20% relaxation on school fee given to parents was withdrawn in October 2020 and it still stands. He said that it was given in the light of COVID-19 lockdowns as people were laid off but since the offices and other industries are now open there is no need for it.
He said that this decision was taken in order to help the small private schools as they are facing a financial crisis. It is the duty of government to protect these schools as well as it will have a major impact on the education if these are closed. Regular Tests are being conducted in the schools to keep a check. Furthermore, teams are also visiting the facilities to ensure SOPs are met.
He further reiterated that students will not be promoted to the next class without sitting in exams. Since two months have been lost due to schools closure, the provincial government is considering to move the board exams ahead by one or two months.
The Minister also briefed over the steps taken to ensure that Standard Order Procedures (SOPs). Only 50% of the total students will be present at a time in schools. Face mask is mandatory.
