Summary The government did not take the federation in confidence over the bill, complain owners
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Private schools in the entire province are shut following call of All Pakistan Private Schools Federation and Pakistan Education Council, Dunya News reported Tuesday.
At least 97,000 private schools in Punjab will remain closed until March 9 in protest against Punjab Education Authority Bill that was passed in the Punjab Assembly.
Owners of private schools have maintained that the government did not take the federation in confidence over the bill.
On the other hand, parents denounced the government for being unable to resolve the issue and negotiate with the association. Guardians of young students have demanded the government to negotiate with the schools so that education of the children does not hinder.
According to the federation, Beaconhouse school system, Lahore Grammar School, Lacas, Lahore school, City school, Salamat school system, Allied school system, EFA, Kims school, Resource Academia, Kids Kampus, Lahore preschool, Learning Alliance, Dar-e-Arqam, American Lycetuff are closed among others.
On Sunday, the federation held a meeting and announced the protest over increased dues row. The bill conditionally permits the schools to increase students’ fees by five percent. Whereas, the owners wanted at least ten percent increase.
Earlier a report stated that over 200 institutions were closed in February for inadequate security measures including 138 government-run schools and colleges.
More than 53 educational institutes in Rawalpindi division were issued warnings by law enforcers to improve security arrangements otherwise heads of the institute would be booked.
In addition to that, three universities were also closed in Punjab in January over poor security. Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), University of Engineering and Technology (UET) and Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan were ordered to beef up security for safer environment for the students.
