Private Schools, Colleges Threaten to Shut Down as Punjab Launches Regulatory Authority

The Punjab government has announced to establish the Punjab Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PPEIRA) to regulate the affairs of private schools and colleges in the province.

As a protest against the announcement, the President of the All Pakistan Private Schools and Colleges Association (APPSCA), Malik Ibrar Hussain, has threatened to shut down private schools and colleges in the province.

According to the details, PPEIRA will be led by the Education Minister as its chairman. The authority will consist of 11 members including MPAs.

PPEIRA will have its sub-committees in all districts of the province. The authority will regulate different affairs of private educational institutes, including registration, teachers’ salaries, teachers’ education, buildings, facilities, and fees.

Private educational institutes will be required to seek approval for every new campus separately from PPEIRA. It will also monitor and inspect private schools and colleges frequently. It will have access to the entire record of private educational institutes.

Private educational institutes will also face legal action in case of violation of PPEIRA’s rules. They will face a fine of up to Rs. 200,000 in case of violation of rules, up to Rs. 10 million for harassment, and up to Rs. 20 million for negligence. They will face a fine of Rs. 25,000 daily till the redressal of complaints.

Source: Pro Pakistan