Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema today at a high level meeting of the department has finalized the rationalization policy in accordance with the suggestions submitted by the Teachers’ Associations in this regard.
In a statement issued here today, Dr. Cheema said that in order to derive maximum out of the resources available in the education sector, a well balanced rationalization policy has been formulated focused on a more conducive atmosphere in state government schools. He said that while finalizing the policy advice was sought from the teaching fraternity and the same procedure for rationalization would be adopted after every three years. The rationalization formulated during the current academic session would remain implemented for three years, said Dr. Cheema.Adding further, he said that the number of periods ion the schools have also been increased from eight to nine per day. Clarifying further he said that no change has been made in the school timings. He also said that cut out date for the rationalization 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 rationalization, he added.
Dr. Cheema said that keeping in view the administrative assignments given to the the cluster in- charge Principals of Senior Secondary Schools, the government has decided to exempt them from taking regular periods. Similarly, the specialized subjects of the Principals and Head Teachers would not be included in the rationalization policy. Accepting another suggestion of the Teachers’ Associations, Dr. Cheema said that the rationalization of the Primary Schools would be implemented in consultation with the Panchayati Raj Institutions, Local Bodies and Education Department.Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary Education C. Roul, Director General school Education Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Special Secretary Mr. Gurdeep Singh. DPI Secondary Mr. Balbir Singh, DPI Elementary Mrs. Darshan Kaur, Director SCERT Mrs. Pankaj Sharma, Deputy Director School Administration, Mr. Jaswinder Singh Nayyar, Mr. Bhagwant Singh and Mr. Amrish Sharma.