LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Thursday directed the Punjab government to strictly implement its policy on private schools against collection of consolidated fee from students for summer vacation.

The court was hearing a petition of a woman, Sheeba Qaiser, who complained about violation of the government’s direction by the private schools regarding the consolidated fee.

She said the government through a notification stopped the private schools from collecting fee for summer vacation at once. She said the schools, instead of obeying the instructions, were forcing students to make full payment of summer vacation fee.

Punjab education department officials told the court that they did not receive any such complaint from parents or students.

The court observed that the government advertised in the media about its different programmes and development schemes but did not publicise public interest issues.

The court directed the department to get published the notification in newspapers and also ensure its display at all private schools for the information of parents.

The court further directed the department to take action against the schools found violating the notification. The court adjourned hearing till June 2 and sought a compliance report from the department.

Eatables’ prices: The Lahore High Court on Thursday directed all district coordination officers (DCOs) in Punjab to submit reports showing latest prices of eatables after decline in petrol prices in the country.

The court was hearing a petition questioning government failure to enforce the reduced prices after decline in petrol prices.

The court observed that the authorities concerned failed to perform their duty and the essential food items were still being sold at exorbitant prices ahead of the fasting month, Ramazan.

He noted that federal food secretary was responsible for taking steps for implementation of reduced prices of eatables.

Advocate Azhar Siddique, the petitioner, argued traders were looting the public and there was no authority to take action against them.

He asked the court to order the government to establish an independent authority for controlling prices and checking hoarding.

He also sought restoration of magisterial system, saying the old system was in consonance with existing price control laws.

The government’s counsel sought time from the court for submission of the report on prices of eatables.

The judge allowed the request and adjourned hearing till June 15.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play