Parents demand reduction in school fee
Students walk home after the last day of school ahead of the extended winter break announced by the government to prevent the spread of Covid-19. PHOTO: ONLINE
The decision to shut down educational institutions in Rawalpindi once again to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) has raised concerns among parents. In reaction to Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood’s press conference on Wednesday, in which he announced a two-week spring break, parents demanded a reduction in the fee.
The government’s decision of closing down schools ahead of annual exams has upset parents and teachers alike. The closure has been announced for all public and private institutions to reduce the health risks to students as positive Covid-19 patients continue to surge in the city.
Osmani Ghani, a father of three, said that the closure of schools had detrimental effects on his children’s education as they no longer focus on studies at home.
Similarly, Shamim, a mother of two, said that children were studying in private colleges where they had to pay a high fee.
Also read Educational institutes to close in various Punjab districts for 2 weeks
“The government conveniently announced the closure of educational institutions but ignored its impact on students, parents, and teachers,” she stated.
“Online education does not serve the purpose, therefore, the government should at least stop closed educational institutions from charging fees,” she maintained.
Meanwhile, the All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association (APPSCA) opposed the government’s decision to close all private and government educational institutions.
APPSCA President Malik Abrar Hussain said that the association rejected the government’s decision as all other places such as shopping malls and airports are open. “National Assembly and Senate sessions are also taking place as usual whereas only schools are left to bear the brunt of the government’s policies,” he added.
Hussain said that the government should immediately reconsider its decision to close down educational institutions. “If schools are shut down forcibly, the association would join the PDM’s protest,” he threatened.
The APPSCA called for the continuation of the teaching process with the implementation of all standard operating procedures.
After a revision in restrictions by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) amid a spike in Covid-19 cases, the Islamabad administration issued a notification on Wednesday, stating that the use of face masks in public and other places has been made mandatory while the affected areas would undergo smart and micro lockdowns.
It read the offices in Islamabad are to operate with 50 per cent staff working from home after the approval of related institutions while all commercial activities are banned after 10 pm, however, hospitals, medical stores, and grocery stores will remain open.
The notification said all parks will be closed at 6pm while restaurants and hotels will not be allowed to open dining halls, adding that the ban on cinema halls and shrines will also remain in place until April 15.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 11th, 2021.