The Punjab government has proposed making building fitness certificates mandatory for private schools to ensure the safety, strength, and stability of school buildings.
According to a letter issued by the Punjab Communication and Works Department, school buildings will undergo structural inspections and safety assessments. The proposal recommends hiring third-party consultants or independent engineering firms to carry out the inspections.
Officials have also proposed conducting a uniform survey of private school buildings across Punjab. In Lahore alone, around 3,500 private schools fall under the registration system.
Under the proposed policy, the Building Department will issue building fitness certificates. The certificate will be required for both new school registrations and registration renewals.
The letter revealed that many private schools are operating in residential buildings. It also stated that several buildings are not approved for institutional use, while many lack approved maps and structural records.
To improve building safety, authorities have proposed a comprehensive structural review of school buildings. The recommendations also include both destructive and non-destructive testing methods.
The letter stressed that technical inspections are necessary to ensure the safety of students. The School Education Department has been asked to make an immediate policy decision on the matter.
The communication was issued by the Punjab Communication and Works Department following a letter from the CEO of the District Education Authority Lahore.
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