HC seeks reports on poor school infra
Rajasthan high court
Monday took suo motu cognisance of the poor condition of schools in the state and issued notices to the Centre and state govts, seeking detailed reports from Rajasthan chief secretary and Union secretaries on measures taken to improve infrastructure and ensure safety of school-going children.
Terming the incident in Piplodi village as "heartbreaking", the court of Justice Anoop Dhand said, "As per reports of the Unified District Information System for Education, several govt schools in the state and country are in dilapidated conditions. Thirty-two percent of them have no electric supply, 9% have no drinking water facilities and 10% to 11% of schools have no separate toilets for girls. Due to the lack of toilet facilities, school-going girls are facing great difficulties affecting their health.
Due to the lack of proper infrastructure, students face difficulties, and dropout rates are increasing."
Justice Dhand said the state govt spends 6% of its total budget on education but continues to lag in infrastructure development. He added that a survey suggests 22% school buildings in 12 states, including Rajasthan, are in dilapidated condition and there are cracks in 31% such buildings. "There is no electricity in 32% schools in state, no drinking water in 9% schools," he said. The next hearing is on Aug 1.
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