Punjab Education Minister Daljit Singh Cheema on Monday finalised the rationalization policy in accordance with the suggestions submitted by the Teachers’ Associations. As per the new policy, the number of periods each day has been increased to nine from eight.
“To derive maximum out of the resources available in the education sector, a well-balanced rationalisation policy has been formulated focusing on a more conducive atmosphere in State Government schools,” said Cheema after taking the decision in a high level meeting of the education department.
He said that while finalising the policy, advice was sought from the teaching fraternity and the same procedure for rationalisation would be adopted after every three years.
“The rationalisation formulated during the current academic session would remain implemented for three years,” said Cheema. “The number of periods in the schools has also been increased from eight to nine per day,” he said while making it clear that no change has been made in the school timings.
The cut out date for the rationalisation was taken as February 28, 2015. “Keeping in mind the suggestions of the Teachers’ Associations, the schools which had increased strength of students after the cut out date would also be considered in the new policy of rationalisation,” he added.
Cheema said that keeping in view the administrative assignments given to the cluster in- charge principals of senior secondary schools, the Government has decided to exempt them from taking regular periods.
Similarly, the specialised subjects of the principals and head teachers would not be included in the rationalisation policy. Accepting another suggestion of the Teachers’ Associations, Cheema said that the rationalisation of the Primary Schools would be implemented in consultation with the Panchayati Raj Institutions, local Bodies and Education Department.