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Introduction
The Punjab government is planning an important change in the academic calendar for schools and colleges. A special committee has recommended reducing summer vacations and fixing a clear number of teaching days each year. This step aims to improve the quality of education and ensure that students complete their full syllabus on time. The proposal was prepared under the guidance of the Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court.
Why A Change Is Needed
Over the past few years, the number of holidays in Punjab’s educational institutions has increased. According to the committee, this rise in holidays has badly affected students’ learning, especially in senior classes. Teachers often struggle to complete the syllabus, and students face pressure near exams. The committee believes that fewer holidays and more teaching days will help students understand their subjects better and perform well in exams.
Proposed Academic Calendar
The committee has suggested a standardized academic calendar for all schools and colleges across Punjab. Under this plan, every institution must complete 190 teaching days in a year. At the same time, the total number of holidays would be fixed at 175 days annually.
| Category | Proposed Days |
|---|---|
| Teaching Days | 190 |
| Total Holidays | 175 |
| Current Summer Break | About 2.5 Months |
| Proposed Summer Break | 6 Weeks |
This table clearly shows how the new plan balances learning time and rest time for students.
Reduced Summer Vacations
One of the biggest changes in the proposal is the reduction of summer vacations. At present, students enjoy summer holidays of about two and a half months. The committee has recommended cutting this long break to only six weeks. This shorter vacation is expected to help maintain students’ study routine and reduce learning loss during long breaks.
Role Of Authorities And Institutions
After receiving the committee’s recommendations, the Special Secretary of the Punjab School Education Department, Muhammad Iqbal, directed relevant bodies to take action. He asked the Punjab Education Curriculum and Training Authority (PECTA) and the Director of Public Instruction for Secondary and Elementary Education to prepare a uniform academic calendar within three days. Private school associations across Punjab have also supported this proposal, showing strong agreement from both public and private sectors.
Expected Impact On Students
If approved and implemented, this new academic calendar could bring positive changes for students. With more teaching days and fewer long breaks, students are likely to stay more focused on their studies. Teachers will also get enough time to complete the syllabus properly. In the long run, this step may improve overall academic performance and reduce exam stress for students.
Conclusion
The plan to reduce summer vacations and fix 190 teaching days each year is a major step toward improving education in Punjab. By creating a balanced academic calendar, the government aims to solve the problem of unfinished syllabi and weak academic results. If carried out carefully, this proposal can help students, teachers, and parents by bringing more discipline and stability to the education system.