Questions about the condition of secondary school systems are regularly raised, often concerning leaking roofs or dilapidated buildings. In some states, children have taken to the streets demanding basic conditions. This issue has also been brought up for discussion in parliament.
AajTak conducted an investigation into the state of government schools in the capital of Uttar Pradesh and several other districts. Extremely severe conditions were found in Mohanlalganj schools in Lucknow: lessons take place next to a dilapidated building, there is a roof leak, sanitary infrastructure is absent, and the risk of infection, such as cystitis, threatens female teachers due to the dirtiness.
The AajTak team visited Sisendi primary school. Upon arrival, a large amount of wild grass was noticed, and classes were taking place right inside the school. Notably, near the teaching areas stood a large, semi-destroyed building that could collapse during rain or storms due to its poor condition.
Children often play near this ruined structure. Furthermore, the toilets in the school were so dirty that the reporter could not stay there for more than ten seconds. When the children spoke about the situation, they reported that the toilets were so unclean that they do not use them; boys and girls go to the ruins to relieve themselves, and if they have stomach problems, they go home and then return to school.
Wild grass grows in the ruins, insects inhabit it, and there is a constant threat of collapse. Despite this, children continue to be nearby. Teachers reported that the cleaner comes only once a month, making it impossible to maintain cleanliness in the toilets. One teacher noted that women are at risk of developing cystitis, and if they use such dirty toilets, they will definitely get sick.
The teacher also mentioned the issue of menstruation, stating that it is impossible to conduct education under such unsanitary conditions. Moreover, the areas where coolers are installed are also dirty, with spilled water, and one tap is constantly running.
Next, AajTak went to Lalumar primary school, where the situation caused serious concern. Upon inspecting the building where classes were held, it was evident that it was in a dilapidated state; the windows could break at any moment. The children approached the window toward which the camera was pointed.
The children said that water leaks and dirt persist here during the rain, creating many problems. While AajTak was talking to the children, heavy rain started, and the stated problems were confirmed: water began dripping from the dilapidated school building onto the textbooks of children in the classroom just outside.
The teachers closed the window doors to avoid the camera, but by then everything had been captured. It is important to note that the school principal had repeatedly sent letters to the department pointing out the building's dilapidation, which was confirmed by the teachers, but no action was taken. The question arises: is the department waiting for a major accident, especially in the middle of the rainy season?
Not everywhere are there difficulties or no work is being done. The Department of Basic Education has carried out work in some government schools. A prime example is Barwaliya Middle School. Here, instead of writing blackboards, children have been provided with LED screens that allow for the use of technology to study material via video.
This school also has various swings, new tables and chairs, and cleanliness is maintained. Motivational quotes are displayed to encourage students. The question is why similar work is not being done in schools located near dilapidated buildings, and why the safety of children is not being cared for.
On this matter, Vinay Kumar Singh, Regional President of the Uttar Pradesh Primary and Secondary Teachers Association (teachers' union), and the director of Barwaliya Middle School, spoke to AajTak. They reported that there are still many poorly maintained schools in Uttar Pradesh, and no one knows where the budget funds are going. Toilets remain dirty, and in some schools, sanitary facilities for teachers and principals are completely absent. Often, people have to fight for their rights themselves, and only those who fought achieved improvements; in places where they did not fight, the situation remains the same. The department remains inactive.
When Vipin Kumar, BSA Lucknow, was interviewed by phone, he stated that a special squad, including engineers, has been formed under the district administration through 'Operation Kayakalp' to identify dilapidated schools. Bulldozers will be used on these schools, and children will be relocated to better places. Regarding the dirt in the toilets, he noted that it depends on whether the toilet belongs to the municipality or the panchayat. He promised to intervene if cleanliness is not maintained in any school.
The opposition has constantly raised the issue of the condition of government schools. In response, the Minister of Basic Education of Uttar Pradesh, Sandeep Singh, published a video in which he announced that the educational budget of Uttar Pradesh has significantly increased: while it was only 28,000 crore under the Samajwadi Party government, it now exceeds 113,000 crore.
He also noted that while the enrollment rate in government schools was only 13.4 million under the SPA government, it has now reached 19 million. The goal of reducing student dropout from 19% to 3% has also been achieved.
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