RAHIM YAR KHAN: More than 4,701 classes are held in the open throughout the year in Rahim Yar Khan schools.

According to school census data of 2016-17, available with the Punjab Education Sector Reform Programme, as on February 2017, there were 11,314 classrooms available in 2,841 schools.

Data shows that every day, 19,154 classes are held in these schools but due to the shortage of classrooms, school administrations have to conduct 4,701 classes in the open while 14,453 classes are adjusted in 11,314 classrooms.

According to data, 1,069 classrooms have been declared dangerous by the Education Department and either they will be reconstructed or demolished. To meet the needs, the government has released funds for only 473 new classrooms.

A teacher of the Government Rafiq Elementary School, Sadigabad, told Dawn on the condition of anonymity that in his school daily nine classes, including of preparatory, were held in the open. There are only four classrooms which can accommodate as many classes. Due to the shortage of classrooms, the computer lab has alsobeen converted into a classroom and same is the case with a kid`s room where two classes are being held.

He said that three years ago, the building was declared dangerous and subsequently, classes were held in the open until last year when new rooms were constructed.

Education Authority Chief Executive Officer Malik Mukhtar Hussain, however, contracted the data PESPR data and told Dawn there were 3,102 schools in the district, of them 37 schools buildings had been demolished. He said that the figure of 4,701 classes was exaggerated, as there was a lack of classrooms in 600 schools.

According to him, 1,000 classes were being held in the open sky.

He added that if the non-salary budget was not enough to construct a classroom, sheds could be installed to save the students from the impact of the weather. He said that some school buildings were repairable but not dangerous. The government would release Rs234 million in the Annual Development Programme of fiscal year 2017-18 for the development of schools.

He said international NGO Hamgadam was working for the construction of classrooms but its funds had been blocked due to which the work was suspended.