CDA seeks data of schools from FDE, PIERA in a week

Policy for allotting plots to schools termed outdated

ISLAMABAD: The conditions for allotting plots for schools in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) were framed in 2002, therefore, need to be updated, noted a meeting held to finalise policy and mechanism for shifting of private schools from residential premises.

The meeting held at Capital Development Authority Headquarters on Thursday discussed different suggestions and parameters to be opted regarding shifting of private schools operating in residential premises.

During the meeting, it was discussed that criteria regarding allotment of school plot was formulated in 2002, therefore, needs revisions and updating by making it more transparent and result oriented keeping in consideration the existing requirements.

In this context, all stakeholders will submit their suggestions within one week so that a consolidated, transparent and well defined policy could be finalised.

It was also decided that consolidated data base would be formulated which will have details about the number of schools, number of enrolments in the respective school, sizes of the premises being used and the areas where these institutes are being operated.

CDA to shift schools from residential areas soon

After receiving data from Private Education Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) and the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), the sizes of available plots to be allotted would be reviewed.

For this purpose, FDE and PEIRA were requested to provide the data to CDA within one week. It was also decided that FDE will be asked for immediate construction of schools on the plots allotted to them.

During the meeting it was also suggested that in most of the government schools, sufficient area is still under-utilised, therefore, FDE will be requested to take up the matter at their competent forum so that some private institutes could be accommodated in these unutilised spaces.

It was also proposed that premises of government educational institute, where only morning classes are convened, private schools be allowed to operate during the evening shifts.

It was also proposed that capacity enhancement in existing building structures of educational institutes may also be considered.

The representatives of private schools said they will study the proposals before making any comment or giving any suggestions.

CDA was finalising a comprehensive policy and mechanism for shifting of private schools from residential premises in pursuance of Islamabad High Court (IHC) orders.

Moreover, through this mechanism, it would be ensured that educational plot would not be allotted to any irrelevant person or irrelevant institute.

Furthermore, it would be also ensured that in future no private school would be established in residential premises.

Housing societies are being directed to utilize the plots reserved for educational institutes within three months.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 13^th, 2019.