ISLAMABAD: The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira) on Tuesday said no private school or college would be allowed to collect fee in advance except on a monthly basis.

It said a standard operating procedure (SOP) had been issued for private schools and colleges as they remained closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Private educational institutions have been advised to ensure compliance to these SOP in true letter and spirit.

According to Peira’s directives, only three to four staff members can attend institutions to perform administrative duties, including payment of salaries to staff and utility bills etc. While in attendance, these staff members should observe health precautions and gatherings must be avoided.

Private schools and colleges have also been directed to pay salaries regularly to teaching and non-teaching staff. Students may be engaged in the learning process through any online or other appropriate technologies.

The current vacations in private educational institutions till May 31 would be treated as summer vacations, it added.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2020