Punjab takes major step after poor Class 9 results
Action over weak results
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expressed concern over the Class 9 examination results and directed officials to take immediate action where results are below 20 percent.
The decision was taken during a video-link meeting in Lahore to review the school education sector. Officials also agreed in principle to connect students’ examination results with teachers’ performance.
The government is also planning a new ordinance to provide a legal framework for action against teachers associated with poor examination results.
Monthly and annual exams planned
The meeting also gave initial approval for monthly and annual examinations in every class.
Officials have been directed to prepare a complete timeline and education reforms plan for presentation next week.
The move comes as authorities seek more regular information about students’ academic progress instead of relying only on annual examination results.
The government has also decided to reward schools that achieve strong results. Top-performing schools in each district will receive recognition and awards.
Support for weaker students
Along with action against poor performance, the government has planned additional support for students who are struggling academically.
Evening coaching will be introduced in government schools for weaker students.
Officials also agreed to discourage the practice of removing academically weak students from schools.
The aim is to provide additional support rather than simply excluding students because of their results.
More teachers and stronger monitoring
Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to fill vacant head teacher positions within 45 days.
She also ordered the appointment of subject specialists in government schools and instructed the education minister to strengthen checking and monitoring at different levels.
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District-wise monthly school rating data has also been requested.
A “Unified Monitoring App” will be introduced to improve school monitoring and track performance more systematically.
Library on Wheels project
The government has also approved a pilot project called “Library on Wheels”, which will begin in Lahore.
The three-wheeler mobile library will have more than 20,000 digital books and will also provide video learning lectures.
The project is intended to give students access to learning material beyond their classrooms.
Schools under closer review
The chief minister also asked officials to provide performance reports for outsourced schools.
She expressed satisfaction with the results of Government Girls High School Bhoun in Jhang. Government girls’ schools in Muzaffargarh and Layyah were reported as having the second- and third-best results respectively.
The latest measures follow earlier action against low-performing government schools. Education Department figures cited in recent reports show that nearly 2,200 government schools across Punjab had Class 9 pass rates below 20 percent.
