The Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi bench has issued a significant directive to the Punjab school education department, ordering it to finalize a unanimous academic calendar for the entire province within a strict two-week timeframe. This decision came during a hearing on Tuesday, where Justice Jawad Hassan presided over a petition filed by a Class-VII student, Denial Hussain, who challenged the extended summer vacations in Punjab schools.
Court Hearing and Petitioner's Concerns
During the proceedings, Asif Iqbal, the law officer representing the Punjab secretary of education, informed the court that a committee established by the secretary is actively working on developing a unified academic calendar. In response to Justice Hassan's inquiries, Iqbal assured the court that this calendar would be completed within the specified two-week period. The court has adjourned the hearing for two weeks, with instructions for the law officer to submit a detailed report on the academic calendar before the next session.
Background of the Petition
The petition was filed in August of last year by Denial Hussain through his lawyer, Hafiz Waqar. The petitioner argued that unplanned off days, along with extended summer and winter breaks, create significant challenges for schools in completing their syllabi effectively. According to the petition, after accounting for summer and winter holidays, Sundays, public holidays, examination days, and other non-teaching days, the actual number of effective instructional days available to students is reduced to a maximum of 145 days. This highlights a critical issue in the educational system, impacting student learning outcomes.
Recent Developments and Stakeholder Involvement
In a recent meeting chaired by the secretary of school education and attended by all relevant stakeholders, a decision was made to implement a unified academic calendar with at least 190 working days. This move aims to standardize the academic year across Punjab, ensuring consistency and improving educational planning. The court's directive reinforces this initiative, pushing for timely action to address the petitioner's concerns and enhance the quality of education in the province.
Implications for Punjab's Education System
The LHC's order underscores the importance of structured academic schedules in maintaining educational standards. By mandating a unanimous calendar, the court seeks to eliminate disparities in school operations and provide students with a more predictable and effective learning environment. This development is expected to benefit thousands of students and educators across Punjab, promoting better syllabus completion and academic performance.
