ISLAMABAD: The Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Conference (IPEMC) on Monday remained inconclusive regarding the early winter break and closure of educational institutes. Chaired by Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood, the provincial ministers for education and the secretary for health briefed the forum on the coronavirus pandemic situation in their respective provinces, national and regional levels; however, no final decision on holidays or school closures was made on Monday.

The secretary health recommended that all ministers should present their recommendations in the light of their respective health departments to reach a final decision. The meeting also considered the NCOC's recommendation for an early and extended winter break across the country to keep students safe. The IPEMC will meet again on Monday, November 23rd at 11am. Ahead of the meeting, the federal education minister said the decision would be made keeping the health of students, teachers, and staff members in view. Punjab Education Minister, Murad Raas, said the schools were re-opened after a lot of homework and effort.

Closing down schools again will hamper the education mechanism. On Thursday, the NCOC meeting had recommended closure of all schools, colleges, and universities for early winter holidays, due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases at educational institutes.

All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association has welcomed the decision of not closing educational institutes.

President of the Association Malik Abrar said that SOPs were being followed strictly in educational institutes and the ratio of positive cases was very low.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020