LAHORE: Following complaints that some private schools are compelling students to attend summer camps despite official instructions limiting such activities during the ongoing heatwave, the Punjab government has ordered enhanced monitoring in this regard. Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has directed the District Education Authorities (DEAs) across the province to ensure strict implementation of government orders regarding summer camps.
Allegations of Coercion
The intervention comes after reports emerged that some private institutions were allegedly pressuring parents and students to participate in summer sessions, despite official guidelines that the attendance must be voluntary. As per the provincial government's directives, schools are permitted to conduct summer camps from Monday to Thursday between 7:00am and 10:00am for a maximum duration of a month. The minister emphasised that no institution is allowed to force students to attend such programmes and the participation is entirely subject to parental consent.
However, some schools allegedly circulated messages urging parents to send their children regularly to summer camps, arguing that the sessions were necessary to compensate for academic losses during vacations and strengthen educational foundations. Several schools informed parents that academic content covered during summer camps would not be repeated during the regular session, raising concerns among families that students who remain absent may fall behind academically.
Parental Concerns
Parents from several areas claimed having faced indirect pressure tactics. Some families claim that while schools officially state that attendance is optional, the repeated emphasis on academic consequences makes parents feel compelled to send their children despite health concerns. A parent in Lahore, Waseem Ilyas, said, "The school says attendance is optional but at the same time tells us that important lessons will not be repeated later. This creates fear among parents that their children will be left behind if they stay at home. In reality, it does not feel like a choice."
Another parent criticised growing commercialisation of education. "Summer vacations are meant for children's rest and protection from extreme weather, but private schools continue finding ways to keep students coming to campuses. The government should ensure that no school uses academic pressure to force attendance amid such severe heat," he said.
Health Risks Amid Heatwave
Meteorological reports have recorded prolonged periods of extreme heat in many cities, prompting health experts to advise limiting outdoor activities, particularly for children. Medical professionals warn that exposure to high temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration, exhaustion and heatstroke, especially among younger students. Parents argue that even though summer camps are scheduled during morning hours, children often face difficulties commuting in rising temperatures. Concerns are particularly acute for students who travel considerable distances to their schools.
They maintain that summer vacations were meant to protect children from harsh weather conditions and provide a break from academic pressures. The growing trend of extensive summer programmes is eroding the purpose.
Government Response
In response to the complaints, Minister Rana Sikandar announced that parents can report violations to the education department's complaint cell. He stated that schools found violating government instructions or forcing participation would face action under relevant regulations. Complaint numbers have been issued to facilitate public reporting and enable authorities to investigate alleged breaches.
The minister instructed all District Education Authorities to conduct inspections of schools operating summer camps and ensure full compliance with the approved timings and conditions. Officials have been directed to verify that participation remains voluntary and that institutions do not use coercive measures to increase attendance.
