Sindh announces school closure from Mar 16–31, govt staff to work from home on Fridays

KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to keep schools closed in the province from March 16 to 31, and a partial work-from-home policy will be implemented for its employees, with Fridays designated for work from home.

Sindh Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon said the decision to keep schools closed and implement the partial work-from-home policy for government employees has been made in light of the Middle East crisis following the US-Israel war against Iran.

He said that examinations will take place as scheduled and government offices will continue to function normally from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays designated for work from home.

The cabinet has approved the policy for the Student Attendance Monitoring and Redress System (SAMRS), which will utilize a mobile app and digital dashboard for student attendance and enrollment.

In addition to these, the Sindh cabinet has decided to take the following austerity measures:

Suspension of all government-funded refreshments in public offices for the next two months, particularly in Ramazan. The employees can buy water and whatever they like with their own expenses.

Memon further added that it is very important for all to contribute to solving these economic and administrative issues in the country. “Given the economic and administrative challenges facing the country, it is important that everyone contributes collectively to overcome these issues,” the minister added.

The cabinet also approved the Sindh Agriculture Women Workers Rules, which are expected to provide greater protections for women in the agricultural sector of the country. Under these new rules, women working in the agricultural sector will be provided equal wages and facilities for maternity.

The government also approved the issuance of Benazir Women Agricultural Workers Cards and the creation of an endowment fund of Rs500 million for women workers in the agricultural sector of the country.