Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed concern over the poor performance of students in the 9th class examinations and directed officials to develop a mechanism for action against teachers associated with weak results. The provincial government has also decided to introduce a Unified Monitoring App to strengthen oversight of schools.
The decisions were taken during a video-link meeting chaired by the chief minister to review school education in Punjab. Officials agreed in principle to link students’ examination results with teacher performance and introduce monthly and annual examinations for students.
Action Planned Over Low Results
Maryam Nawaz directed the relevant authorities to present a complete timeline and education reforms plan next week.
She also ordered immediate action in schools where the 9th class pass rate is below 20 percent. The meeting decided to prepare a new ordinance providing for legal action against teachers associated with poor examination results.
At the same time, schools achieving strong results will be rewarded. District-level awards will also be given to schools that perform well in examinations.
Evening Coaching for Weak Students
The Punjab government has decided to introduce evening coaching for academically weaker students in public schools.
Officials also agreed to discourage the practice of removing academically weak students from schools because of their performance.
The chief minister directed authorities to fill vacant head-teacher positions within 45 days and ensure the appointment of subject specialists in government schools.
New School Monitoring System
Maryam Nawaz instructed the education minister to strengthen checking and monitoring at all levels and sought district-wise monthly school performance ratings.
A Unified Monitoring App will also be introduced to monitor school performance and consolidate monitoring information through a single system.
The chief minister said that improving results should be the focus rather than simply relying on performance scoring, adding that teachers’ efforts should be reflected in students’ academic performance.
Mobile Library Project to Start in Lahore
The meeting also decided to launch a pilot Library on Wheels project in Lahore.
The proposed three-wheeler mobile library will feature solar-powered charging and more than 20,000 digital books. Video-based learning lectures will also be made available through the service.
During the meeting, Maryam Nawaz expressed satisfaction over the performance of Government Girls High School Bhon in Jhang, which was reported to have achieved strong results. Government girls’ high schools in Muzaffargarh and Layyah ranked second and third, respectively, according to the briefing.
The chief minister also sought a performance report on outsourced schools as part of the broader review of school education in Punjab.