TAXILA: The local administration sealed five educational institutions for the violation of government directives regarding summer vacations and registered a case against an owner.

The crackdown came in response to complaints from parents that several private schools were not complying with the summer vacation orders and also collecting advance fees for up to three months.

A team led by Assistant Commissioner Taxila Zaryab Sajid Kamboh paid snap visits to schools and colleges and sealed five of them for the violation of summer vacations and charging advance fees.

Talking to newsmen, Mr Kamboh stated that the decision to enforce summer closures was made to protect children’s physical and mental well-being amid extreme heat. All school administrations have been urged to comply and help maintain a safe and structured academic environment. He warned private schools’ management of action if they collected summer vacation fees from students. He said directives had been issued to all schools and colleges to implement the directives otherwise strict action would be taken against them.

It may be mentioned the Rawalpindi commissioner and the District Education Authority (DEA) had directed that all government and private educational institutions would remain closed from 28 May to August 14 for summer break. The notification strictly prohibited exams, summer camps or any academic activity during this period.

Only limited staff may attend for essential administrative work. In a letter to public and private schools, the chief executive officer DEA had stated: “No examinations will be conducted after May 28. Summer camps are strictly not allowed during this period. Teaching staff will also be on holidays and is not permitted to attend school during the vacation period.”

The notification also prohibited private schools from charging advance fees beyond monthly basis in line with Punjab Education Department’s regulations.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2025