Amidst the bone-chilling temperatures, the Punjab School Education Department has decided to ease the uniform code for educational institutions across the province.
In a recent directive to district education authorities, the top school authority outlined new instructions to temporarily suspend the uniform code in both public and private schools throughout January and February.
The relaxed guidelines grant students the flexibility to wear warm clothing such as sweaters, coats, jackets, caps, socks, or shoes during the winter season instead of adhering strictly to the standard uniform. Heads of all public and private schools are mandated to enforce this new rule, as per the official communication.
This move follows the recent closure of regular classes for students in grade one and below for a week, coupled with the postponement of exams for grades 1-10. The decision to temporarily halt educational activities comes in the wake of a tragic incident where 36 children lost their lives due to pneumonia in Punjab.
Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the suspension of classes for grade one and below for a week, citing a high incidence of pneumonia among children. The Chief Minister urged schools to discontinue morning assemblies and prevent unwell students from attending classes. Vaccination against pneumonia for both children and the elderly was strongly recommended.
The recent adjustments in school routines and dress codes coincide with the reopening of schools across the province after the winter vacations that began on December 18, 2023. To accommodate the prevailing cold weather conditions, the provincial school education department extended the winter holidays for public and private educational institutions until January 9. Additionally, a change in school timings, starting at 9:30 am from January 10 to January 22, was announced by the provincial government on Monday.
