The year 2024 will be remembered as a challenging one for Punjab's educational sector, with schools and colleges experiencing prolonged and frequent closures.
From extreme weather conditions to emergencies, the province’s educational institutions faced interruptions on 205 out of the 365 days of the year.
Impact of climate and emergencies
The educational calendar was significantly disrupted due to severe heatwaves, smog, and political events. Summer holidays, originally scheduled to end by mid-August, were extended as temperatures soared across the region. Winter vacations bookended the year, further curtailing academic days.
In November, schools remained closed for 16 days due to the hazardous smog blanketing Punjab, a recurring issue during the colder months. Additionally, an unconfirmed security incident at Konji College on October 18 and 19 prompted authorities to shut down educational institutions for safety concerns.
The electoral process also played its part in the disruptions, with schools closed from February 6 to 9 for general elections.
Saturday holiday and reduced teaching days
The Punjab government had earlier announced a Saturday holiday for all government schools, further contributing to the reduction in in-person teaching days.
This policy, combined with unscheduled closures, significantly impacted the academic calendar.
Minister acknowledges loss
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat expressed concern over the year’s significant educational setbacks.
“This year’s holidays have caused a lot of educational loss. We are now focusing on strengthening online teaching to ensure continuity in learning,” the minister stated, highlighting the government’s plan to implement robust digital learning solutions.
