The Education Authority Lahore has resolved to shut 213 more unregistered private schools after they have refused to go through the compulsory registration procedure.
The move comes as the authority continues to take steps to ensure that all private institutions of education are operating within the limits of government’s regulations in Lahore. Officials claim institutions that don’t conform with registration requirements may be legally pursued and closed.
Education Authority Intensifies Crackdown
The Education Authority Lahore has sent a summary to district administration for action against 213 unregistered private schools, officials said.
It comes after a previous operation in which 30 private schools were closed because they did not meet registration standards.
Hundreds of Schools Issued Final Warning
Officials announced 744 private schools have already been warned to finish the process of registering, and the others must keep doing so until December 10.The others must continue to register until December 10, and 744 private schools have received a final warning to complete the registration process, officials announced.
If schools do not respond to the final notice, they can also be subjected to enforcement measures in the coming weeks, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Education Tariq Mahmood said.
The Education Authority has advised school administrators to ensure that the necessary legal procedures are finished in a timely manner to prevent disruption to their educational program.
Schools Identified for Action
Officials say several private schools identified for possible enforcement for failure to meet registration requirements.
Some of the schools mentioned include:
- Little Scholar School System
- Peak School
- New Horizon School
- Wisdom Grammar School
- City Grammar School
- Mujahid Grammar School
- Tariq Public School
- Khawaja Saeed Model School
- The Smart School
More institutions could also be targeted if they are continuing without going through the registration process, authorities said.
Why Registration Is Important
The Education Authority stressed that all private educational institutions have to be registered in accordance with the legislation.
A registered school is expected to comply with government regulations relating to:
- Educational standards
- Student welfare
- Infrastructure requirements
- Administrative procedures
- Regulatory oversight
Registration requirements are seen as a way of enhancing transparency, accountability and quality of education through enforcement.
Authorities Warn of Continued Action
The Education Authority Lahore has declared that it will continue its enforcement action without bias towards any institutions which are non-registered because of not complying with the registration norms.
Authorities stated that school officials may choose to seal the schools, initiate legal action or other measures under existing laws if they elect to ignore the repeated warnings and notices.
Administrations of private schools have been encouraged to register for their school as early as possible to prevent penalties.
Impact on Students and Parents
The ongoing enforcement campaign may affect students and parents enrolled in schools facing regulatory action.
Parents should check the status of educational institutions before applying to get admission so that they can be sure that schools are running as per Government rules.
Authorities have promised that the goal of the campaign is not to interfere with students’ studies but increase compliance and boost education quality.
More than 200 unregistered private schools in Lahore have been closed, continuing the Punjab government’s moves to enhance the regulation of the private education sector. Schools are making it clear that complying with registration laws is required, with 744 schools already receiving final notices and more measures being considered for enforcement.
School administrators are encouraged to register as soon as possible and parents should be aware of the legal status of schools so as to make informed choices about their children’s schooling.
