Punjab enforces new system to monitor teacher attendance

The Punjab School Education Department (SED) has rolled out a new monitoring system aimed at ensuring strict teacher attendance across public schools in a bid to elevate educational standards throughout the province.

As part of a broader initiative to enhance discipline and school operations, the SED’s new system emphasizes strict compliance with working hours for principals and teachers.

According to an official directive obtained by Dawn, staff at public schools are now required to adhere to precise duty hours, with department officers conducting unannounced inspections to ensure compliance. The directive, issued on August 11, mandates that principals and teachers must remain on campus until 2:30 p.m. each day, as part of reinforced regulations aimed at maintaining smooth educational operations.

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The SED has conveyed these instructions to chief executive officers of all District Education Authorities (DEAs) in Punjab, underscoring the necessity of adhering to the revised school schedule. Teachers are also expected to engage in professional development, prepare lesson plans, and participate in both academic and extracurricular activities during extended hours and alternate Saturdays. The department warned that any breaches would be met with strict disciplinary action, with officers tasked to enforce the new rules.

Effective from August 15, the revised school timings stipulate that single-shift schools will operate Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with Friday hours set from 6 am to 12 noon. Double-shift schools will follow separate schedules for morning and afternoon sessions, while teachers’ hours will be extended to accommodate additional activities.

In related developments, the Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) has completed the first round of interviews for senior administrative positions, including Directorate of Public Instruction (colleges), Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and District Education Authority (DEA) roles. Approximately 120 candidates were evaluated on a range of skills, including leadership, communication, administration, and IT competencies, during the assessment process.