Multan:The Punjab government has introduced civic sense and life skills education for the first time to nurture responsible citizens, with a focus on practical learning, traffic awareness and understanding of public institutions.
The initiative, launched on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, was reviewed at a divisional video-link meeting chaired by Commissioner Aamir Kareem Khan, with deputy commissioners participating.
The commissioner directed that civic sense and life skills be taught through practical activities rather than confined to classroom lectures and textbooks. He emphasized that students should receive hands-on training to develop responsible behaviour, respect for laws and a better understanding of their civic duties.
He instructed education authorities to make special arrangements for practical training in traffic rules at schools and arrange visits to government offices and public institutions to familiarise students with public services and the administrative system.
Under the ‘Responsible Students, Love Life’ campaign, a special drive will also be launched to promote traffic awareness among students, particularly those who ride motorcycles to educational institutions.
The commissioner directed schools and colleges to compile data on student motorcyclists within 15 days. Parents of students riding motorcycles without driving licences will be informed through awareness letters, while facilities will be provided to help them obtain the required licences.
He stressed the need to ensure the use of helmets and compliance with traffic regulations among students. He also proposed awarding special badges to students who possess valid driving licences and regularly use helmets to encourage responsible road behaviour.
The commissioner said that effective action would be taken against traffic violations after the completion of the awareness phase, adding that educational institutions must also be monitored to ensure the effective implementation of civic sense and life skills education.
He stressed that the initiative should go beyond academic learning and equip students with practical skills, social responsibility and a strong sense of citizenship.