India, Jan. 29 -- Ten buildings meant for BMC schools have been caught in a long-running dispute between the civic body and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), leading to an acute shortage of classroom space for students across the city. Planned as part of various slum rehabilitation projects, the buildings are still awaiting a handover even as student numbers continue to rise.

The handover has been delayed for different reasons. In some cases, the BMC has refused to take possession on account of basic facilities not being provided. In others, the SRA or builders involved have reportedly failed to construct or properly separate school buildings as mandated under existing rules. Senior officers said that the education department had ...