The Punjab Directorate of Public Instructions (DPI-Colleges) has issued a controversial directive of banning extracurricular events including funfairs and sports galas across public and private colleges for being “unethical.”
The DPI, Dr Syed Ansar Azhar, in a controversial move, instructed all the private and public colleges across Punjab to cease all activities which are “unethical or vulgar.”
The development came after a video got viral on social media in which a teacher could be seen dancing with female students while also throwing currency notes on them during Qawwali night.
Punjab higher education department secretary expressed serious concerns over the incident, criticising the activities particularly dancing on Indian songs.
Funfairs banned in colleges
Dawn News reported that the decision by Directorate of Public Instructions (DPI) was taken after the secretary raised alarms over the viral footage of teachers and students dancing.
He said educational institutions were “sacred” spaces meant for imparting quality education and such conduct violates their sanctity.
In the notification, it is written that all directors of education (colleges) in the Lahore Division would have to comply by the policy. It also warned that failure to comply or implement the ban on extracurricular events across colleges would have consequences.
Disciplinary action would be taken against the principals, deputy directors, and directors of education, if the ban isn’t implemented.
The controversial policy has sparked a debate among the public, particularly students and teachers. Some have supported the new policy, adding that educational institutions must have some decorum. While others argued that cultural and recreational activities are essential for a well-rounded education, calling the ban egregious.
Dawn News reported that the incident of teacher dancing with female students occurred at the Khwaja Fareed Government Postgraduate College, Rahim Yar Khan.
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