LAHORE: Punjab School Education Minister Murad Raas has said the government may close educational institutes in the province if the coronavirus spread continued to increase, adding that, however, no such decision has so far been taken.

Mr Raas was addressing the food programme launching ceremony at the Government Primary School, Gulab Devi Hospital, here on Wednesday.

Under the programme, 23,000 students of 100 primary schools will be served “best quality” free food once in a day at their institutions.

He said 400 students and teachers of different schools had tested positive for the coronavirus in the province and if the situation further deteriorated the closure of schools could be planned.

Minister launches food programme in 100 primary schools

“I am continuously checking and monitoring the implementation of the coronavirus SOPs [in schools] and school administrations are making maximum efforts to fully implement these,” he said.

Mr Raas further said the government had not yet decided to close the schools and they were continuously monitoring the Covid-19 spread situation.

While talking about the food programme, he said a trust was helping the government in launching the programme and initially one-time food would be provided to the students in 100 primary schools.

He said the quality of the food would be ensured as unfortunately people did not take free meal usually because of its low quality.

He said the government was working to ensure provision of hygienic food to the schoolchildren for better nourishment of their mind and body.

BISE: The Queen Marry College Principal Dr Irfana Mariam was appointed as chairperson, Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE), Lahore.

Ms Mariam assumed her charge at the BISE on Wednesday.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2020