Schools in Punjab flood-hit areas to open on 15th: minister

LAHORE: Punjab Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Flood Shuja Khanzada has said besides other areas the schools of flood-hit areas will also open on August 15, however, local administration will be authorised to take decision about extending vacation in the light of the situation there.
He said was addressing the commissioners and DCOs of affected districts through a video link at Civil Secretariat on Monday. Punjab Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal, senior member Board of Revenue Nadeem Ashraf, Punjab secretaries, PDMA DG, Health DG Dr Zahid Pervaiz, senior officers of meteorological, police and education departments were present.
The minister said 362 schools were affected in flood-hit areas out of which more than 80 per cent will be available for study up to August 15. He said schools will be shifted to other places temporarily till the threat of flood was over. He said if needed schools will be made operational in relief camps and the teachers of the schools of flood-hit areas will teach in relief camps.
Khanzada stressed the commissioners, DCOs and monitoring teams of flood arrangements to take care of the quality and quantity of meal being provided to flood affectees. He said according to the prescribed timings, breakfast should be provided to the affectees at 7am, lunch at 1pm whereas dinner at 7pm.
He warned that no negligence in provision of meal to the affectees will be tolerated. The minister said meal, medicines, vaccination and other facilities as well as books and toys were being given to children in relief camps.