Schools defying govt directives face the music

District education authority sets up complaint cell for parents

LAHORE:

While some private school owners have opposed the decision to extend the summer vacations, the district education authority (DEA) has instructed its field officers to take action against any institution found violating the directive.

According to a notification issued by the Lahore DEA chief executive officer (CEO), the field officers have been directed to enforce all government orders without exception. The move comes in the wake of reports that some private schools have continued operations despite explicit orders or mandatory compliance requirements issued by the Punjab government.

The DEA warned that any school found ignoring the directives would face on-the-spot punitive measures, including immediate sealing of the premises and initiation of legal proceedings against the management. The orders emphasise that no leniency will be shown and violations will be dealt with firmly to maintain discipline in the education sector.

In a bid to involve the community in the enforcement, the DEA has established a complaint cell at its head office. Parents, local residents and other stakeholders can lodge complaints against non-compliant institutions. The cell is designed to ensure quick response and follow-up, making it easier for concerned citizens to report schools that do not adhere to the rules. Though the DEA has not specified the directives in its notification, the sources indicated that the orders were linked to the government's recent extension of summer vacations across Punjab due to extreme weather conditions.

The provincial school education department had announced last week that both government and private schools would remain closed until September 1, citing safety concerns for students amid ongoing heatwave conditions and health risks.

In addition, the government has been monitoring compliance with safety protocols, fee regulations, and registration requirements for private schools.

In past years, several private institutions have faced action for ignoring the rules, including charging excessive fees, operating without proper registration, or failing to meet safety standards.

The education authority reaffirmed that it will follow a zero-tolerance policy towards any violations, particularly when the safety and well-being of students were at stake. "The instructions are clear – no school should operate against government orders. Those who choose to defy will face strict consequences," an official said.

In previous enforcement campaigns, DEA teams sealed several private schools in Lahore for operating without registration or failing to comply with fee regulation directives. In some cases, schools were fined heavily, while in others, the managements faced legal action.

Officials urged parents to avoid sending their children to any school that had not received clearance to open. They also encouraged citizens to report any violations to the complaint cell to enable swift action. The DEA emphasised that community cooperation is essential for the success of the crackdown.

If the weather conditions improve and the government decides to reopen the schools early, a fresh notification will be issued. Until then, officials insist that all schools must remain closed as per the current orders.

"The weather in the various parts of Punjab, including Lahore, is normal and it is beyond our comprehension why the holidays were extended. Parents and students are also apprehensive of the academic loss caused by the decision," said All Pakistan Private schools Management Association President Kashif Adeeb Jawdani.