SIALKOT, Nov 29: The inordinate delay in the construction of new building of Jinnah Islamia Boys Elementary School in Daska city by the ‘influential’ contractor has forced more than 600 students to get education while sitting on the ground under the open sky in cold weather, besides, forcing them to do labour in the school.

Head Master Zulfiqar Ali said on Tuesday that the district government allotted Rs3.6 million contract to construct new building in six months after demolishing the old building.

He said the contractor started work about three months ago and now adopting delaying tactics. The students of classes seven and eight were also being forced to work as labourers by the contractor, he added.

Replying to a question, the head master said the students were working as labourers with a spirit to complete the project as early as possible.

Meanwhile, the parents of the students expressed grave concern over the situation and condemned the forced labour being subjected to by the contractor.

They urged the provincial and district governments to take notice of the situation and save the precious time of their children.