Punjab to Reduce Summer Vacations in Schools and Colleges. The Punjab government is considering a major change to the academic calendar after a court-appointed committee recommended shortening summer vacations in schools and colleges across Punjab. The proposal aims to improve learning outcomes by increasing the number of teaching days each year.
The recommendation was submitted to the Lahore High Court following detailed discussions over the last four months.
Committee Recommends 190 Teaching Days Per Year
A special committee, formed on the directives of the Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court, has proposed a standardized academic calendar for all public and private educational institutions in Punjab.
Under this proposal:
- Schools and colleges must complete 190 academic and teaching days every year
- The number of annual holidays will be limited to 175 days
- The academic calendar will be uniform across the province
The committee held three meetings over four months and finalized its recommendations during the third and final meeting.
Summer Vacations Likely to Be Reduced to Six Weeks
One of the most significant changes suggested by the committee is the reduction of summer vacations.
Currently, summer holidays in Punjab last for around two and a half months. The committee has recommended reducing this period to six weeks only.
According to committee members, long summer breaks disrupt learning continuity and make it difficult for teachers to complete the syllabus on time, especially in senior classes.
Private School Associations Support the Proposal
The committee noted that private school associations across Punjab have endorsed the proposal. Many private institutions already follow shorter academic breaks and believe that reducing holidays will help students stay academically engaged.
Education experts also argue that long gaps between terms negatively impact student retention and exam performance.
Punjab Education Department Directed to Prepare New Calendar
Following the committee’s recommendations, Punjab School Education Department has been instructed to act quickly.
Special Secretary Muhammad Iqbal directed:
- PECTA
- Director Public Instruction (Secondary & Elementary Education)
to prepare a uniform academic calendar within three days.
Once finalized, the calendar will be implemented across government and private schools in Punjab.
Rising Holidays Affecting Academic Performance
The committee observed that the increasing number of holidays each year has harmed academic standards.
Key concerns highlighted include:
- Incomplete syllabi in senior classes
- Reduced instructional time
- Pressure on teachers to rush lessons
- Lower student performance in board examinations
The committee emphasized that quality education requires consistent classroom time, not frequent disruptions.
Case Filed Against Excessive Holidays
The committee was constituted by Justice Jawad Hassan while hearing a writ petition at the Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench.
The petition challenged the frequent increase in holidays announced by Punjab’s education authorities over the past few years.
During proceedings, the court expressed concern that excessive breaks were undermining the education system and directed the formation of a committee to review the issue in detail.
Third Meeting Held in Lahore
The committee’s third and final meeting was held in Lahore under the chairmanship of the Secretary Schools Education.
The meeting was presided over by Special Secretary Muhammad Iqbal, where all final recommendations were approved before being submitted to the court.
What This Means for Students and Parents
If approved and implemented, the new policy could bring major changes:
For Students
- Shorter summer holidays
- More structured academic year
- Better syllabus completion
- Improved exam preparation
For Parents
- Fewer long gaps in schooling
- More consistency in children’s routines
- Reduced need for extra tuition
For Teachers
- Better planning of lessons
- Less pressure to rush coursework
- Improved classroom outcomes
Public Reaction Expected
While private school associations have welcomed the move, public reaction is expected to be mixed.
Some parents support the decision due to learning loss during long vacations. Others have raised concerns about extreme summer heat in Punjab and the need for proper cooling facilities in schools.
Education officials have stated that climate concerns will be considered before final implementation.
Conclusion
The proposal to reduce summer vacations in Punjab marks a significant shift in education policy. By fixing 190 teaching days annually and limiting long breaks, authorities aim to improve academic quality and student performance.
