2 min read
Conflicting announcements regarding winter school timings in Punjab have created widespread confusion among students, parents, and teachers. District authorities issued revised schedules, while the provincial minister denied any official notification, leaving schools in limbo.
Districts Issue Timings, Minister Denies
On Wednesday afternoon, several District Education Authorities (DEAs) across Punjab issued notifications announcing revised winter school timings. These changes were expected, as winter timing adjustments occur annually to accommodate colder mornings.
However, later that same day, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat took to social media to clarify that the School Education Department (SED) had not issued any official notification regarding winter timings. He stated:
“No official notification has been issued by the School Education Department regarding winter timings.”
This statement directly contradicted the district notifications, causing uncertainty among schools and parents who had already received revised schedules earlier in the day.
Confusion Among Students, Parents, and Teachers
The contradictory messages led to chaos. Teachers and parents were unsure whether to follow the district-issued schedules or wait for a provincial directive. Schools also struggled to plan classes, transportation, and staff timings amid the lack of clarity.
Annual Issue, Same Mismanagement
Winter school timings are revised every year, but the repeated mismanagement has drawn public criticism. Observers called it another example of bureaucratic inefficiency that disrupts the education system instead of streamlining it.
The School Education Department is now under pressure to issue a clear, province-wide notification to end the confusion and restore normal school operations.
