LAHORE: The Punjab government on Friday ordered monitoring of 208 schools run by the seminaries in the province.

The government issued a directive to monitor 208 seminary schools across the province aimed at enhancing oversight and ensuring compliance with educational standards.

The decision was taken for a broader initiative to regulate religious education institutions and ensure their adherence to the prescribed guidelines.

The notification, available with Dawn, mandates local administrations toconduct regular inspections and maintain detailed records of the activities and curricula of these schools. The primary objective is to ensure that the educational content aligns with national standards and promotes a balanced and inclusive approach towards religious education.

This step comes in response to growing concerns about the role of some seminaries in spreading radical ideologies and the need for a more structured and transparent system of religious education. By implementing these measures, the government aims at fostering a more secure and cohesive society, while also addressing the educational needs of students attending these institutions.

The monitoring process will involve collaboration between various public departments, including education, law enforcement and social welfare, to ensure a comprehensive and effective oversight mechanism. The authorities have also emphasized the importance of community involvement and support in this initiative, encouraging the parents and local leaders to participate actively in the monitoring process.

The directiveisexpected to bring about significant improvements in the quality of education provided by religious seminaries and contribute to the overall development and stability of the province.