Maryam initiates education reforms in Punjab

LAHORE: Delay in the delivery of textbooks is not acceptable, said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif while chairing a review meeting on the proposed school education reforms in the province.

The chief minister directed the implementation of a new comprehensive procedure, in line with international best practices, for the selection of CEOs, DEOs, and DDEOs in each district. Under the new mechanism, the selection of CEOs and other administrative officers of the education department would be made after tests, interviews, and a computer education exam. Additionally, the chief minister emphasised the importance of ensuring the training of CEOs at LUMS. Furthermore, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the provision of educational facilities to special children in one government school in each district and announced the establishment of schools for transgender individuals at the divisional level.

The chief minister also highlighted the need to initiate character-building classes in government schools and discussed the role of the Punjab School Inspectorate, a proposal to form a Standardised Matriculation Exam Board, and the proposal to centralise all matters of school education through a central body. She said: “The central authority will focus on Punjab education, teacher and curriculum development, school development, and testing and assessment of learning outcomes.”

Additionally, an agreement to hold a school hockey league in Punjab and Pakistan’s biggest “School Olympics” was discussed.

Earlier in the meeting, authorities briefed the chief minister that 41% of textbooks have been supplied, and books will be provided to all schools by May. However, starting next year, textbooks will be provided in February. They also presented the chief minister with a new storybook on environmental pollution and climate change for schools.Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Pervaiz Rashid, Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, School Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, MPA Sania Ashiq, the chief secretary, and other relevant officers attended the meeting.

AL-QUDS DAY: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed solidarity with the Palestinians on Al-Quds Day, emphasising the sacredness of the first Qibla for Muslims worldwide. She urged the international community to cease ongoing brutalities committed by Israel and emphasised the importance of resolving the Palestinian and Kashmir issues for global peace.CM Maryam Nawaz invited the Deaf Cricket Team, which remained undefeated for 19 years, to the CM Office. She interacted with the players using sign language, expressing admiration for their abilities.

The CM presented a cheque worth Rs3.8 million to the players and increased the gift amount for each deaf cricketer from Rs200,000 to Rs500,000.

Additionally, she promised allocating a separate ground for the team and facilitating their recruitment in government departments.The players presented a golden lion’s statue and the Dubai World Cup Trophy to the CM. CM Maryam Nawaz promised to arrange a meeting with Nawaz Sharif as per the players’ desires.

The players expressed gratitude to CM Maryam Nawaz for her invitation and pledged their support and prayers for her. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Bokhari, Pervaiz Rasheed, MPA Sania Ashiq, the chief secretary, the sports secretary, and other officials were also present.