District education discontinues second shift in public schools

RAWALPINDI: In a recent development, the Rawalpindi District Education Authority has officially discontinued second shifts in all government schools that have offered evening education for the past four years.

According to a formal notification released by the Chief Executive Officer of the Education Authority, this decision affects roughly 50 schools within the district.

Only six institutions have been spared from the rule, according to the statement. These consist of Rawalpindi’s Government Modern Boys High School No. 2, Tench Bhata’s Government Public Academy Secondary School, Chungi No. 22, Government Boys High School, Schools in the afternoon, Instructional initiatives, Public schools.

The second shifts at these chosen institutions will go on as normal. Whereas the new orders will be in effect immediately.

Starting April 7, non-exempted schools operating evening shifts in Punjab will be closed. Students enrolled in these shifts are advised to transfer to nearby schools.

Temporary teachers assigned to second shifts have been released from duty, while permanent faculty members will serve only during the first shift. The decision has been met with criticism from teachers’ unions, with Shafiq Bhalowalia, Central Secretary of the Punjab SES Teachers Association, calling for its reversal.

Parents, particularly those with daughters, have expressed concerns about potential difficulties and longer travel distances to attend classes.

Muhammad Niaz, a resident, noted that girls who previously attended nearby schools in the second shift may face challenges adapting to new arrangements. The move has sparked debate and worries among stakeholders about its impact on students’ education and accessibility