English will be taught as a subject in new education policy “The New Deal 2018-23”

By Muhammad Ali

LAHORE: Will Punjab government and its education department be able to implement new education policy and meet the set targets?

Punjab province has launched new education policy “The New Deal 2018-23” announcing start of afternoon schools in selected primary schools of 20 districts and making Urdu language as medium of instruction for Primary Education, while English will be taught as a subject and examination of five and eight class will not be conducted by the Punjab Examination Commission (PEC). Use of information technology has been encouraged in the new education policy.

The Punjab Schools Education Department would revamp the educational system focusing on teachers active role to achieve good results, the policy states.
Improvements will be made in the syllabus by March 2020 and the standard of government schools will be enhanced so that they could achieve their lost glory and fame.

Short term, long term and mid-term plans will be introduced for government schools and use of information technology is encouraged so that the students could remain aware of latest changes in their syllabus. The Schools Education Department is also devising a data bank by using information technology to place the departmental information at one place and required information will be available at one click. Digital textbooks for four and five class have been launched and android application is also introduced which is an important step towards digital revolution in the education. Afternoon schools are being started in selected primary schools of 20 districts to educate the out of school children near to their homes.

“The New Deal 2018-23” said their government wanted to introduce the school education system on a par with the needs of the country and Punjab. He said that new education policy will also help sensitize the youth about the philosophy of Allama Iqbal.
Best performing principals and head teachers will be posted in schools to gain the best results along with improving the quality of education in government schools.