Punjab govt weighs extension of winter vacations after public poll

LAHORE: Majority of the public that voted in a Punjab govt poll, has supported extending winter vacations for schools in the province. The public poll was conducted by Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat.

The poll, shared on the minister’s official Facebook page, was aimed at gauging public opinion on whether schools should reopen on the scheduled date or if winter vacations should be extended due to prevailing weather conditions. According to the results, an overwhelming 88 per cent of respondents voted in favour of extending the vacations, while 12 percent supported reopening schools as planned.

In numerical terms, 42,256 people voted for extending winter vacations, whereas 6,457 participants expressed their preference for schools reopening on time.

The education minister said the feedback received through the poll would be taken into consideration while making a final decision regarding the reopening of educational institutions across the province.

Meanwhile, the Punjab School Education Department has also announced strict action against educational institutions that fail to comply with newly notified school working hours. Authorities have warned that schools violating the revised timings will face penalties, as the government seeks to ensure student safety amid the cold weather.

The final decision on the extension of winter vacations is expected to be announced in the coming days after reviewing weather conditions and public feedback.