Summer camps allowed under strict rules

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab School Education Department has granted conditional permission for government and private schools of all sizes across the province to conduct summer camps from June 1 to June 30, while simultaneously imposing stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and eight mandatory restrictions.

Authorities have warned that any violation will result in the immediate closure and sealing of the institution concerned, alongside strict legal action against those responsible.

Under the newly issued circular, schools will not be permitted to collect two or three months' summer tuition fees in advance from students. Furthermore, private schools will be prohibited from charging any additional fee under the guise of summer camps.

According to the directives, summer camps may operate only from Monday to Thursday, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday designated as holidays. Camp timings have been fixed from 7am to 10am.

Students of all grades will be eligible to participate; however, attendance will be entirely voluntary. No student may be compelled to attend, and participation will require parental consent.

The School Education Department has made it clear that any complaint regarding the collection of additional fees will lead to the immediate suspension of the summer camp and the sealing of the school.

Likewise, government schools and teachers have been expressly prohibited from charging any tuition or coaching fees from participating students.

All summer camp activities must be conducted exclusively in classrooms or other indoor facilities. No outdoor activities will be permitted owing to the prevailing weather conditions.