School Development : Shocking state of schools in the state! No toilets for girls in 1,164 schools

The shocking reality of the state's school education system has come to light, revealing that as many as 1,164 schools do not have separate toilet facilities for girls. Not only that, but it has also been revealed that 3,328 schools still lack electricity facilities. This serious information has emerged from the statistical report prepared by the education department for the period 2024 to 2026, and this report was presented to the principal secretary of the education department on January 29. This report has raised serious questions about the basic facilities in schools across the state. The lack of separate toilets for girls is considered not just a matter of convenience but a direct impact on girls' education. Education experts have expressed the possibility that the lack of safe and clean toilet facilities for adolescent girls may increase the dropout rate.

Notably, the report states that in the districts of Mumbai, Thane, Kolhapur, Gondia, and Satara, 100 percent of the schools have separate toilet facilities for girls. Therefore, while some districts have taken positive steps, it is clear that many districts are still lagging behind. The highest number of schools without separate toilets for girls is in Beed district. In Beed district, nearly 112 schools do not have separate toilet facilities for girls. Additionally, in the districts of Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Gadchiroli, Jalgaon, Amravati, Nashik, and Sindhudurg, 50 to 100 schools lack separate toilet facilities for girls, as noted in the report.

Along with this, another serious issue of infrastructure is the lack of water facilities in 19 schools. Notably, this includes two schools from Pune district. Questions are being raised about how it is possible to provide quality education in the absence of basic facilities like water, electricity, and toilets. Education is considered the backbone of development. However, in such a situation, the education of students in rural and backward areas is seen to be in serious jeopardy. Now that this report has come to light, everyone is watching what concrete steps the state government and the education department will take on this. Particularly, the need to urgently provide facilities necessary for girls' education is being emphasized.