Some Private Schools Get Permission to Conduct Weekly Classes

The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) has permitted schools and colleges, lacking suitable equipment for online teaching, to call students on campus for assigning homework on a weekly basis.

Previously on November 23, the government had ordered the closure of all institutions across the country till January 10, 2021. Schools and colleges were directed to conduct online classes till December 24 to protect students from COVID-19.

On September 8, the regulatory body had issued a notification that directed all schools and colleges to adhere to COVID-19 SOPs when students resume classes on-campus. However, the second wave in pre-winter forced authorities to order the closure of all institutions, with students and teachers contracting the virus at an abnormal rate.

Earlier in November, the Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Conference (IPEMC) allowed schools to call students during the week, for one or two days, but further suggested that the final policy in this regard will be decided by respective provincial education departments. PEIRA had initially barred all educational institutions from calling students.

Now, the regulatory body has allowed institutions lacking online teaching facilities to call students once or twice a week for assigning homework. The new decision will be implemented till winter break, which will commence on December 26.

Lately, notable health experts have expressed concern over the pandemic cycle, which has worsened after winters hit. With the winter season expected to intensify in the next few weeks, experts predict COVID-19 to become more lethal. Schools and colleges will have to wait until the first week of January next year when a federal cabinet meeting is scheduled for final review before all schools resume on-campus activities