ISLAMABAD: Minister for Federal Education Shafqat Mahmood on Tuesday brushed aside the possibility that educational institutions would be closed immediately due to the resurgence of Covid-19.

He told Dawn that according to reports and data from the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS), the situation is under control and institutions would not see immediate closures.

However, he added that all of the country’s education ministers are going to meet today (Wednesday) for a virtual session where they will share updates on Covid-19 and the implementation of standard operating procedure to limit the spread of the disease in their provinces.

“We will get updates in the meeting, but it does not mean we are going to close institutions,” he said, adding that the federal and provincial education ministries cannot decide on the matter of closures on their own, and instead receive input from the NHS ministry.

Covid-19 situation, winter holidays in educational institutions will be discussed in today’s meeting

“So far, there is no such proposal under the consideration of the health ministry,” he said.

According to officials from the Ministry for Federal Education, the Inter-Provincial Education Ministers Conference (IPEMC) meeting will be chaired by Mr Mehmood.

Several issues, including updates on the Covid-19 situation and decisions on winter holidays in educational institutions will be discussed.

Another agenda item under discussion will be the moving of the academic year from April to August and conducting eighth grade exams across the country instead of ninth grade exams.

Mr Mahmood said that the academic year begins in August around the world, but in Pakistan, private schools begin their academic sessions in August and public schools in April.

“In the meeting, we will discuss this issue and will explore options to start the academic year in August in all public and private institutions,” he said.

While discussing proposed board exams for eighth graders, Mr Mahmood said ministers will explore the possibility that eighth grade board exams be conducted instead of ninth grade exams.

“In my personal opinion, I am a support of eighth class exams. But we will discuss the issue in detail in the meeting,” he said.

He said all three issues are part of the agenda but they are not aiming for final decisions on them.

“Basically, we are going to discuss these issues and explore the possibilities, he said.

Educational institutions, which were closed for six months between March to September, have seen Covid-19 cases since reopening.

Mr Mahmood said the percentage of cases is under control.

Under SOP, the district administration has to seal educational institutions where more than two cases are detected.

Dozens of institutions have been closed for this reason and reopened after a few days following disinfection.

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2020