Bill to Fix Academic Year Start in January Submitted to Parliament

The government has submitted a bill to amend the Education Act to mandate that the academic year begins in January each year. The bill was presented by Dr. Anara Naeem, the government MP for the Dhiraa constituency, during today's sitting of the People's Majlis. The bill also stipulates that if the academic year cannot start in January, it must begin no later than the end of February. The Ministry of Education will set the academic calendar annually, including at least eight components such as start and end dates, teaching and non-teaching days, professional development days, exam periods, enrollment periods, transfer periods, and school holidays. The bill mandates a minimum of 195 teaching days excluding official holidays and school breaks. Additionally, the bill introduces a home-schooling program for children who cannot attend school due to physical, mental, or other special conditions, based on assessments. It also requires all government schools to provide free breakfast daily to students who cannot afford it. The bill aims to detail the roles of parents, teachers, and principals in the education system and resolve implementation issues of the law.