KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced the immediate closure of all educational institutions across the province effective from March 16 through 31. The decision was ratified during a provincial cabinet session amid the evolving regional situation.
In a significant clarification for students and parents, the provincial government confirmed that the closure will not affect the examination calendar. All scheduled papers and assessments will proceed at their designated venues and times without any postponement. To prevent academic loss, the government has mandated a shift to digital platforms.
All schools and colleges are directed to maintain the continuity of the curriculum through virtual sessions.The Sindh Education Department has been tasked with ensuring that institutions have the necessary digital infrastructure to support remote learning during this three-week period.
Sindh govt approves schools’ digital monitoring
Meanwhile, Sindh Cabinet has approved the Student Attendance Monitoring and Redress System (SAMRS) policy, Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah wrote in a post on his Facebook page.Records of student attendance and admissions will be maintained through a mobile app and digital dashboard, the cabinet briefing stated.
The new system will help reduce student absenteeism and the dropout rate, the cabinet was informed.The digital monitoring system will be implemented in all schools across Sindh within one year, according to the briefing.
On the other hand, addressing a press conference in Karachi, Senior Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the Sindh Cabinet members have decided not to draw their salaries for three months. The decision regarding the salaries of MPAs will be made by the Sindh government later, he said announcing austerity measures being adopted by the provincial government.
Sharjeel informed that fuel for official vehicles has been reduced by 50%, and a ban has been imposed on the purchase of new vehicles and furniture. Furthermore, 60% of official vehicles are being grounded for two months, and the 50% fuel reduction for official vehicles will also remain in effect for two months.
The Sindh information minister stated, “Our narrative is with the state, and our thinking is with the government.” There will be no holiday in government offices on Fridays; instead, there will be work from home. A ban has been placed on refreshments in government offices for two months, and unnecessary protocol must be avoided.
No official event will be held in a hotel; instead, such events must take place within government buildings. The Sindh government has endorsed all decisions made by the prime minister.Sharjeel remarked that they stand with the federal government and security forces to tackle challenges. “The narrative of Pakistan and the state is our collective narrative; everyone must unite to face these challenges. During these testing times, everyone should adopt austerity measures together. We want to practice austerity, but we do not want to play with the economy,” he said. Shopping hours during Eid will remain unchanged.
The senior provincial minister further stated that the Chief Minister of Sindh’s aircraft will remain grounded and will not be used during this austerity campaign. He noted that the federal government did not increase petrol prices by choice. The funds saved through austerity will be used for public welfare. A ban has been imposed on official Iftar dinners, and the Cabinet has decided that no minister will participate in such events.
He shared that the Sindh government has launched a comprehensive fuel-saving campaign, which is expected to save 950 million rupees. From April to June, Sindh’s ministers, advisors, and special assistants will not receive perks or salaries. By reducing unnecessary expenditures, a total of 12 billion rupees will be saved. A ban has been placed on the purchase of new vehicles and furniture, and business-class travel for essential official trips by ministers and officers has also been prohibited.
Sharjeel added that unnecessary police mobiles provided to individuals will be withdrawn. The government’s priority is to ensure fuel savings. A meeting with transporters regarding this matter will be held tomorrow. He acknowledged that the rise in petroleum product prices has had a negative impact on the public. Action has been taken against transporters who increased fares unilaterally, resulting in several arrests.
