Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain chaired Inter Provincial Education Minsters Conference (IPEMC) today on 17th May, 2022. The meeting was called in pursuance to a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on 16' May 2022 regarding preventive measures against the heatwave. Provincial Education Ministers, respective Secretaries, Executive Director HEC, Secretary IBCC, Director General FDE, Chairman NCC, Chairperson PEIRA, Chairman FBISE attended the meeting.
Rana Tanveer Hussain said that Inter Provincial Education Minsters Conference (IPEMC) has been urgently called to ensure implementation of the directive of Prime Minister of Pakistan. Federal Minister said that it is imperative to implement the short-term & long-term measures to mitigate the health-related risks of heat wave to the school going children in Educational Institutions.
Rana Tanveer said that pro-active measures have to be taken to safeguard and protect students especially young students. He said that Federal Government has taken preventative steps to protect students. He informed the forum that it has been decided to close all private and public schools/classes in Federal from KG to 5th class in order to protect the young children from the on-going impact of heat wave. He further said that the timings of the on-going exams have been rescheduled to 8:00-11:00 am in the Federal as well so that students can be protected from the heat wave.
Federal Minister said that special instructions have been issued to the FBISE to ensure that alternate arrangements have been made for electricity in all of the exam centres. He said that alternate electricity arrangements should be managed at all costs. Minister said that water availability should also be ensured at all exam centres. Rana Tanveer said that an awareness campaign via social media and newspapers regarding the heat wave has already been launched by the federal ministry where teachers, students and parents are the primary audience.
Federal Minister was briefed about the measures taken by the provinces to address the issue of heat wave. All provinces assured the minister that all of the instructions of the Federal Government are being strictly followed.
Rana Tanveer said that a special advisory has been issued by the ministry to tackle the issue of heat wave. He said that all the schools have been directed to pay their electricity bills in due time and ensure repair of all of the electric fixtures. Transportation cars should be parked in the shade and all schools should ensure availability of first aid box etc.
Federal Minister said that as a long-term measure a separate curriculum should be developed to create awareness about climate change with respect to Pakistan amongst the students. He said that it is absolutely necessary to raise aware students which are the future of the country.
Rana Tanveer also stressed the issue of out of school children and advised all the provinces to create strategic plans to cater to that issue. He sought proposals from all of the federating units in this regard.
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