KARACHI: Noting that educational institutions failed to enforce COVID-19-related SOPs, Provincial Education Minister Saeed Ghani has decided not to allow schools recommence the grade VIth, VIIth and VIIIth classes from 21st of September as planned earlier.
Announcing that the sixth, seventh and eighth graders would be asked to rejoin school from 28th day of Sept. provided COVID-19 situation ameliorates the Minister lamented: “Despite our efforts, we are seeing a lot of flaws and violations, therefore we are delaying the second phase of resuming grade 6-8 classes.”
Addressing a Presser Ghani prompted to add: “Our purpose is not to shut down schools permanently…We simply seek for them to mend their ways when we see them not fulfilling their responsibility…They should follow through with the commitments made. Following safety protocols is not to be done for our satisfaction…Our children go to these schools. It is a question of their health and safety…
“I will get in touch with the federal ministers and will request a meeting of the inter-provincial education ministers committee so that a uniform decision is taken across the country.”
After inspecting a number of schools Sindh Education Minister Saeed Ghani pointed out while some private schools had made excellent arrangements to implement the SOPs, violations were seen in some government schools and colleges.
He further noted that government schools had only allowed in students of grade nine or above. He had ordered sealing of some private schools yesterday (17th of September, 2020) for resuming even grade one or lower classes. Minister observed that No SOPs were being applied on these young pupils.
After his today’s visits Ghani noted: “Even at some renowned schools which have numerous branches…If the students were wearing masks, the gatekeeper did not have one; teachers were either wearing masks pulled down to the chin or they didn’t have one at all, and there was no distancing between students.”
Meanwhile, Federal Minister Education, professional training, National Heritage and culture Shafqat Mahmood taking to the Twitter proclaimed: “There is no change regarding the time table announced earlier after Inter provincial meeting of education ministers. We will meet in the NCOC on 22nd to decide finally but if the current trend remains, no reason to postpone 6 to 8 opening on 23rd September.”
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