LAHORE: The education department has issued notices to a number of private schools in Lahore and elsewhere in the province for continue functioning in violation of its notification.

The Punjab government has announced summer vacations for public and private schools from May 24 to Aug 14. However, the private schools, which are holding exams, are allowed to open the campuses to complete the exams.

The government had advanced the summer vacation schedule for a week in the wake of current heatwave. Earlier, the summer vacation was scheduled in public schools from June 1 and some private schools from June 10.

Punjab Education Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmed on Tuesday took notice of opening of a number of private schools in the province where annual exams had concluded.

“We have issued them notice and strict action will be taken against them if they do not follow the government instruction,” he warned.

Tariq Rafique, executive district officer education, Lahore, told Dawn that the department had issued notices to 40 schools for violating the government directive. “Any private school, where exams are not being held, found open on Wednesday will be closed and strict action will be taken against the administration,” Mr Rafique said.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2016