Maryam orders action over poor Class 9 results

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to take action against teachers linked to poor academic results in Class 9 examinations.

She chaired a video-link meeting to review the performance of the school education sector. During the meeting, she expressed concern over the Class 9 examination results and called for stronger accountability in schools.

Officials agreed in principle to link teachers’ performance with students’ academic results. The government also decided to introduce a new ordinance to provide a legal framework for action against teachers whose students record poor results.

The meeting also approved a proposal to introduce monthly and annual examinations across classes. Authorities were directed to prepare a detailed timeline and education reforms plan and present it next week.

Maryam Nawaz ordered immediate action in schools where the Class 9 pass rate is below 20 per cent. The School Education Department has separately directed disciplinary proceedings against responsible head teachers and subject teachers in such cases under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act, 2006. Responsibility is to be determined through school timetables, subject-wise results and other official records.

The chief minister also called for incentives for schools that achieve strong academic results. The government has already outlined recognition for schools, teachers and students achieving better Class 9 results, while schools with particularly weak results face disciplinary proceedings.

She directed officials to ensure the appointment of subject specialists in government schools. She also ordered that vacant head teacher positions be filled within 45 days.

The government plans to introduce evening coaching classes for students who are struggling academically. The initiative is aimed at providing additional support to students who need help outside regular school hours.

A new monitoring application will also be introduced to improve oversight of schools. The chief minister directed officials to collect monthly performance ratings for schools at the district level.

Maryam Nawaz also sought a detailed performance report on outsourced schools. She stressed that teachers’ efforts should be reflected in students’ academic performance.

The government has also decided to recognise teachers and students associated with stronger results. Under the education department’s existing criteria, results of 60 to 79 per cent qualify for appreciation certificates, while results of 80 per cent or above qualify for special badges and certificates.