ISLAMABAD: A committee, comprising officials of the CDA, education department and other stakeholders, proposed that three years should be given to private schools operating in residential areas for relocation.

It was also proposed that Montessori and daycare centres should be opened in every sector of the city.

The committee held several meetings to resolve the issue of non-conforming use of residential buildings. Over 350 schools are operating in residential areas.

Sources said the committee had also requested the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) to allow the CDA for creating new plots on premises of school and college buildings which had vacant areas/playing fields. But the FDE refused.

The committee also directed those who have been allotted 55 school plots to immediately start construction of the buildings failing which the plots would be cancelled after a year.

Directs immediate construction of school buildings on allocated plots

“After two months consultative process, CDA has prepared draft report for relocation of schools. In the draft report, mechanism and criteria regarding shifting of schools have been proposed. The recommendations would be submitted to the government for approval,” said a statement issued by the CDA on Friday.

It said the proposal had been drafted on the basis of input and consultation from the representatives of stakeholder departments including the FDE, Ministry of Education, Private Educational Institute Regulatory Authority, Federal Board of Revenue, Ministry of Interior and the CDA.

Recommendations have also been made that private housing societies would be directed to immediately start construction on plots designated for schools.

The statement said the committee had also recommended that private schools would be allowed in Zone 2, 4 and 5 on private land. In this regard, bylaws have been formulated which have to be followed for construction of schools in these areas.

The authority will facilitate the managements of such schools in obtaining NOC and approval process.

The committee agreed that there was a dire need for capacity building of government institutes as they were occupying huge area/sites and by constructing additional buildings and improving standard of education students could be attracted and load could be shared.

It said CDA would offer available plots for schools and colleges which would be disposed of in a transparent process by a committee comprising members from other ministries also.

On approval of the recommendations, the authority will ensure availability of school plots that will be disposed of in the light of approved criteria/regulations.

The statement said a criterion regarding allotment of school plots was formulated in 2002 but it could not achieve the desired results. Therefore, an exercise was carried out for revision and update of the criterion by making it more transparent and result oriented keeping in consideration the existing requirements.

Therefore, input from all stakeholders was obtained, compiled and a consolidated criteria was proposed. It has been ensured that no untitled person or institute would be allowed to participate in the next scheme. The CDA said the new policy would help end operation of schools on residential premises.

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2019