Ghani stresses SOPs implementation in schools, colleges

Minister says sanitisers must be available at all schools, if not in every classroom

Sindh Education Minister Saeed Ghani paid surprise visits to multiple schools and colleges across Karachi for the second consecutive day on Wednesday - a day after the resumption of on-campus classes at educational institutions in Sindh and the rest of the country.

Ghani instructed school and college managements to abide by all standard operating procedures (SOPs) devised to prevent the spread of Covid-19, as well as make sure students and staff wore masks during school hours.

Sanitisers are to be available at all schools, if not in every classroom, he said, adding that disinfectant needed to be sprayed in educational institutions at least two to three times a week.

While visiting the Government Degree Boys College in Korangi, the education minister was angered by the absence of the college's principal and the improper implementation of pandemic-related SOPs. He instructed the college education secretary on phone to ensure arrangements for SOPs at the college and regular staff attendance.

He also visited the Government Comprehensive High School in Korangi, where he reprimanded the school's principal over poor sanitary arrangements. Ghani ordered the immediate cleaning of the school and issued directives for spraying disinfectant on school premises.

During his visit to the Government Degree College for Women in Korangi, he took notice of students standing outside the college and instructed the principal to make certain that all students attending the college remained inside. He also directed the Korangi deputy commissioner to raze all illegal construction outside the college and take strict action against those involved setting up encroachments.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 17^th, 2020.