Govt Considers Bringing Back Online Classes

Due to increasing pressure on the country’s fuel sector caused by the Iran war and various global and domestic factors, the government is contemplating several measures, including reintroducing online classes in educational institutions. Changes in weekly holidays and office hours, as well as work-from-home arrangements, are also under consideration.

Sources say such austerity measures are being discussed due to high fuel prices, rising import costs, and the dollar crisis. The experience from the COVID-19 period — when online classes were widely implemented across schools, colleges, and universities to maintain academic continuity — may be utilised in this regard. However, many concerned people believe these decisions should have been taken much earlier.

According to relevant sources, government agencies have been asked to prepare their own proposals for fuel conservation. These proposals will be presented at the next Cabinet meeting. A short-term plan of three months is being prepared in view of the multi-front wars around the world. If the situation worsens, medium and long-term strategies may be adopted.

The government is also taking initiatives to reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves. There are proposals to avoid unnecessary loans and impose strict restrictions on officials’ foreign travel. However, the government does not want to take a final decision on increasing fuel prices at this moment.

A senior government official said that if the global situation deteriorates, measures beyond short-term steps may be needed. He also mentioned thinking about six-month or one-year plans. It is learned that some ministries have already started preparing drafts of austerity measures.

Officials say the measures under discussion include adding an extra day to the weekly holiday or allowing two days of work from home per week; speeding up office work or reducing office time; and taking half of the classes online in educational institutions to save electricity. However, no final decision has been made yet.

Decisions on these matters will be taken at the Cabinet meeting. The government has already taken some steps for fuel conservation, including preventing hoarding. More controls may be necessary to reduce pressure.

An official from the Ministry of Public Administration said quick action is needed. Decisions could have been taken earlier based on the experience of the COVID period. He suggested calling a special Cabinet meeting if necessary. The Ministry of Public Administration has instructed all offices to strictly follow the fuel conservation guidelines.