ASIA/INDIA – Poor or non-existent sanitation facilities in the state schools of Madurai district

Tuesday, 10 June 2014

Madurai (Agenzia Fides) - In Madurai district, the oldest city in Tamil, there are 1,226 public schools. Last year the Ministry of Education identified 210 schools in the district with no bathrooms. According to the Right to Education Act 2009, it is mandatory that all schools have bathrooms. The fact that health care workers are not employed in schools is a very serious problem because the lack of proper maintenance prevents students from using the facilities. According to some activists, teachers in some schools keep the bathrooms closed, not allowing the students to use them. The situation is particularly delicate especially for girls who are at risk of kidney problems. As a result the students avoid using the bathrooms. To remedy this situation, a permanent staff to take care of the maintenance of toilets needs to be created in all schools and the Ministry of Health must carry out regular checks. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 10/06/2014)


Share: