Punjab Imposes Rs. 500,000 Fine on Schools Opening Before 8:45 AM

In a major move to ensure compliance with winter school timings, the Punjab government has announced heavy fines for both public and private schools that open before 8:45 AM. The decision, officially communicated through district education authorities, is part of the provincial government’s winter adjustment plan, designed to protect students from harsh weather and manage smog-related health concerns during the cold season.

According to ARY News, schools that violate the new directive will face penalties of up to Rs. 500,000. This unprecedented step reflects the government’s determination to enforce uniform school timings across the province and discourage early openings that may endanger children’s health and well-being.

Winter School Timings Announced

As per the official schedule, the revised timings will be implemented from November 3, 2025, to January 31, 2026. During this period, all public and private educational institutions in Punjab must strictly follow the following schedule:

• Single-shift schools will operate from 8:45 AM to 1:30 PM (Monday to Thursday).

• On Fridays, single-shift classes will conclude earlier at 12:30 PM.

• Double-shift schools will follow two separate schedules:

  • Morning shift: 8:45 AM to 1:30 PM (Monday to Thursday), and 8:45 AM to 12:30 PM on Fridays.

  • Afternoon/evening shift: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Monday to Thursday), and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Fridays.

The School Education Department (SED) Punjab has instructed all institutions to strictly adhere to these timings. Authorities have also been directed to monitor schools across districts to ensure compliance.

Massive Fines to Ensure Strict Implementation

To ensure full compliance, the Punjab government has empowered District Education Authorities (DEAs) to impose strict penalties on violators. Schools found operating before 8:45 AM will face a fine of up to Rs. 500,000, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation.

Officials have clarified that repeated violations may also lead to temporary suspension of school operations or cancellation of registration in severe cases. The government aims to set a clear example that disregard for official directives will not be tolerated.

Speaking to media, a senior official of the SED Punjab stated,

“These fines are not meant to burden schools but to protect students. Early morning cold and smog pose serious health risks, especially for younger children. Uniform timings will help reduce exposure and ensure safety.”

Reason Behind the Decision

The decision to regulate school timings comes amid growing public concern over dense smog and falling temperatures in major Punjab cities, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Gujranwala. Over the past few years, winter smog has become a recurring health hazard, often leading to respiratory issues among school-going children.

Environmental and health experts have also supported the move, noting that delayed school openings reduce children’s exposure to harmful pollutants that peak in the early morning hours. The Punjab Environment Protection Department (EPD) had earlier warned that smog levels are expected to rise significantly in November and December, prompting the government to take proactive measures.

Additionally, the Education Department’s winter adjustment plan aligns with efforts to minimize road accidents during foggy mornings, which often result in visibility dropping to near zero on major highways.

Private Schools Express Mixed Reactions

While many parents have welcomed the decision, citing children’s safety as the top priority, several private school associations have raised concerns about the sudden enforcement and potential operational challenges.

A representative of a private school network in Lahore said,

“We support the government’s efforts to protect students, but the timing should be flexible in some districts. In rural areas, for instance, daylight starts earlier, and uniform timing for the entire province can cause scheduling difficulties.”

However, most schools are expected to comply after warnings from the SED that any violations will invite strict disciplinary action and monetary fines.

Government Urges Cooperation from Parents and Teachers

The Punjab government has appealed to parents, teachers, and school administrators to cooperate fully with the new schedule. The Education Department emphasized that the health and safety of children remain the foremost priority during the winter months.

Officials also urged parents to ensure their children are dressed warmly and to avoid sending them to school before official hours. The department further advised schools to adjust transportation schedules accordingly to prevent students from waiting outdoors in the cold.

In an official statement, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said,

“We are taking every necessary step to safeguard our children during winter. Strict enforcement of school timings will not only help fight smog but also create uniformity and discipline across the education system.”

Monitoring and Public Awareness Campaign

The provincial government has launched a monitoring and awareness campaign to ensure the policy’s success. Education inspectors and district officers will carry out random visits to verify school compliance. Institutions found violating the order will be fined immediately without prior warning.

Moreover, awareness messages will be broadcast through television, radio, and social media, urging schools and parents to follow the official winter timings. The government is also encouraging citizens to report any violations to local education authorities or through the official helpline.

The Punjab government’s decision to impose massive fines on schools opening before 8:45 AM marks a significant step toward prioritizing student safety and environmental health. By enforcing uniform winter school timings, authorities aim to minimize the effects of smog, reduce health risks, and ensure smooth functioning of educational institutions across the province.

The new policy will remain in effect from November 3, 2025, to January 31, 2026, and all schools—public or private—are expected to comply fully to avoid penalties.