Rawalpindi Education Authority Ends Second Shifts in Government Schools

The Rawalpindi District Education Authority has announced a significant policy shift, officially ending the second shift (evening classes) in nearly all government schools. This move impacts roughly 50 schools across the district and has prompted strong reactions from educators, students, and parents alike.

Second Shifts Discontinued

Policy Details

According to a formal notification issued by the Chief Executive Officer of the Rawalpindi Education Authority, the policy to discontinue evening classes is effective immediately.

• A total of 50 schools have been affected.

• The policy applies from Monday, April 7.

• The decision reverses a four-year-old practice of running second shifts to accommodate increasing student enrollment.

Exempted Institutions

Only six institutions have been permitted to continue their second shifts:

1. Government Modern Boys High School No. 2, Rawalpindi

2. Government Public Academy Secondary School, Tench Bhata

3. Government Boys High School, Chungi No. 22

4. Afternoon schools

5. Educational programs

6. Community schools

These selected schools will operate as usual under the new policy.

Impact on Schools and Staff

School Operations

All affected schools will cease second shift operations beginning April 7. This change requires a reallocation of resources and adjustments for students and staff.

Key Operational Changes:

• Second shift classes discontinued in all but six institutions.

• Students instructed to transfer to nearby schools offering morning shifts.

• Only one shift will now be operational in most schools.

Staff Reassignment

The staffing structure will also undergo changes:

• Temporary teachers assigned to second shifts have been relieved of their duties.

• Permanent staff will now only work during the first shift, reducing workload but also teaching opportunities.

Summary Table: Institutional Impact

Category	Action Taken	Affected Personnel
Second Shift Schools	Discontinued in 50 institutions	All temporary teachers
Exempted Institutions	Continue as usual	Current staff retained
Permanent Teachers	Assigned to first shift only	No change in status
Temporary Teachers	Released from service	Discontinued roles

Community and Union Reactions

Teachers’ Unions

The decision has drawn criticism from teachers’ associations who argue the change is abrupt and poorly planned.

Shafiq Bhalowalia, Central Secretary of the Punjab SES Teachers Association, has publicly called for the policy to be reversed.

Teachers argue that second shifts played a vital role in:

• Managing large student populations

• Providing employment opportunities for contractual staff

• Offering flexible study options

Parental Concerns

Parents, particularly those of female students, have expressed serious concerns about the implications of the policy.

Key Issues Raised by Parents:

• Increased travel distances for students now required to attend morning shifts elsewhere

• Safety concerns for girls who previously attended nearby evening classes

• Disruption in routine and academic performance due to abrupt transition

Muhammad Niaz, a local resident, said: “My daughter used to attend a nearby school in the second shift. Now she may have to travel farther, which is not ideal.”

Why Were Second Shifts Introduced?

Second shifts were originally implemented to:

• Alleviate overcrowding in existing school infrastructure

• Provide access to education for students who could not attend morning sessions

• Extend teaching and employment opportunities

The discontinuation of second shifts potentially reverses many of these gains unless alternative solutions are implemented quickly.

Government's Justification & Next Steps

Reasons Behind the Decision

While the Education Authority has not publicly released a detailed justification, the following factors may have influenced the decision:

• Budgetary constraints on hiring and operations

• Declining enrollment in second shifts post-COVID-19

• Administrative streamlining and focus on improving first-shift quality

What Lies Ahead?

To mitigate the effects, the education department may need to:

• Increase morning shift enrollment capacity

• Provide transport support for affected students

• Consider re-employment opportunities for released temporary teachers

• Improve infrastructure to accommodate more students in one shift