The Sindh government is reviewing its policy on closure of schools as coronavirus cases continue to increase across the province.
Education Minister Saeed Ghani chaired on Saturday a meeting of a steering committee to decide the fate of schools. Sources say a proposal was given to announce a closure of schools till class eight.
A meeting of the steering committee of the Sindh Education Department was held in which two proposals regarding closure of schools in the province came up.
The sources said that, during the meeting, some members of the steering committee suggested closing schools in Sindh for up to eighth grade and continue classes for students of classes nine till 12.
Another proposal was to close schools for 15 days. Some members, however, opposed the closure of all schools.
A representative of private schools reportedly raised an objection as to why schools should be closed when markets are open.
Talking to media after the meeting, the Sindh education minister confirmed that two different proposals to close or keep schools open had been discussed in the meeting.
He said he will present both proposals to the National Command and Operation Centre.
Refuting media reports regarding a change in school timings for Ramadan, Ghani said there was no discussion on such a topic.
Last month, Sindh Health Minister DrAzra Pechuho had suggested to the NCOC that schools should be only be closed if at least three people — students or teachers — test positive for coronavirus.
The health minister had also suggested it would be better to postpone the examinations for two weeks — and a single exam should be conducted with strict adherence to COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Timings changed for Ramazan
Meanwhile, The Sindh Education Department has changed school timings for Ramazan as the education centres will continue its academic session from 7:30 am to 11:30 am in morning shift.
The Sindh education authorities announced the timings of schools across the province for the upcoming month of Ramadan.
The schools will continue its academic session from 7:30 am to 11:30 am in the morning shift, whereas, the second shift will be continued from 11:45 to 2:45. On Friday, all schools will be opened from 7:30 am to 10:30 am.
