Punjab CM approves new syllabus for schools

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has formally approved the new syllabus for schools, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Important decisions were taken in a special meeting on educational reforms chaired by Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Lahore on Thursday.

The meeting was given detailed briefing on the new curriculum prepared by Punjab Education Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority (PECTAA), a subsidiary of the School Education Department.

The meeting reviewed curriculum for English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Urdu, and Early Childhood Education.

The meeting was briefed that the new curriculum will reduce the burden of books by 25 percent and discourage rote learning.

Each textbook will feature a QR code allowing students to scan and watch video lessons on relevant topics.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif called for the development of an AI curriculum for grades 1 to grade 12.

CM Maryam directed to complete the printing of textbooks before March.

The meeting decided to launch mental health training for teachers in Punjab for the first time.

Consensus reached on legislation to eliminate corporal punishment in schools.

A proposal to appoint visiting psychologist faculty in every district was reviewed. 

Chief Minister directed the provision of online counseling facilities for students.

It was proposed to establish "discipline corners" in classrooms as an alternative to corporal punishment.

The meeting agreed to designate Saturdays for teacher training across Punjab and textbook authors themselves will conduct teacher training.

"I want to see an excellent educational model in Punjab's government schools," Maryam Nawaz said.

She said alongside the AI ​​curriculum, focus must also be placed on establishing labs.

"There is no shortage of resources, but the wastage of resources must now be stopped," Maryam Nawaz said.

She said effort and focus should be directed toward primary schools to ensure a strong educational foundation.

Maryam Nawaz said English language training for 35,000 teachers across 31 tehsils in 12 districts has been completed. 

The drama of physical punishment leaves a lifelong impact on a child's life, Maryam Nawaz said.

She said focus is being placed on enhancing digital literacy in Punjab's schools.

Reporter: Rao Dilshad Hussain