LAHORE: Punjab Minister for School Education Dr Murad Raas says the government would ensure children’s access to schools, expressing hope that afternoon classes in schools would be a success.

He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of 6th international conference on Research in Education organised by the Punjab University Institute of Education and Research that started at the Faisal Auditorium on Tuesday.

“The children should be given education in the national language to develop their critical thinking ability and better comprehension of subjects. The medium of instruction from grade one to five would be Urdu language at schools while English language would be taught as a compulsory subject.”

Mr Raas sought guidance and support of all the stakeholders to change the education medium from English to Urdu. He urged the PU students to teach children at schools for one year as they would be the best teachers.

Former PU VC Dr Zaffar Moeen Nasir, VC Prof Niaz Ahmad and Dr Rifaqat Ali Akbar also spoke. The conference would continue until Thursday.

Dean Faculty of Education Prof Dr Mumtaz Akhtar, Department of Secondary Education Chairman Prof Dr Abid Hussain Chaudhry, Conference Secretary Dr Shahid Farooq, Dr Abdul Qayyum Chaudhry, renowned scholars from the US, UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Germany, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, Mauritius, New Zealand and various parts of Pakistan participated in the conference.

Later, the provincial minister paid a surprise visit to the Government Central Model School Lower Mall and checked facilities.

He reviewed the cleanliness condition of classrooms and the canteen, security arrangements and teaching process.

Mr Raas issued directions for administration to improve performance of physics, chemistry and computer laboratories as well as the library and assured the students regarding restoration of sports activities in public schools.

He directed the administration to immediately make all the toilets functional for the students and announced provision of water filtration plants.

Talking to the media, Mr Raas announced to reveal his financial assets as well as all the employees of the Schools Education Department.

He said that the initiative was being taken to eradicate corruption and to ensure transparency.

The minister also attended the ceremony of declamation and Na’at competition at Alhamra Hall and distributed prizes among the position-holders.

Students from different tehsils areas of the city attended the function.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2018