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Synopsis

The Chhattisgarh High Court took suo moto cognizance of a disturbing news report exposing the dire sanitation conditions in government schools across Bilaspur district.

A Division bench comprising the Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal, issued a scathing order, condemning the State authorities for failing to provide basic hygiene facilities, particularly toilets, and directed the Secretary of the School Education Department to file a personal affidavit addressing the crisis before February 10, 2025.

“The plight of the students and the staff, especially the girl child and lady staff can be very well understood when they are compelled to go for answering the nature’s call in an open area which is a matter of shame for all. The said situation can lead to any untoward incident as the girl child and female staff are vulnerable to the antisocial elements of the society. The children studying in the school and the staff of the schools are definitely entitled to a much better environment so far as hygiene is concerned,” observed the court, expressing strong disapproval.

The court initiated the proceedings after a news report, published on January 26, 2025 in the Hindi daily Dainik Bhaskar, exposed sanitation failures in government schools across Bilaspur district. The report revealed that 150 schools lack toilets entirely, while over 200 schools have toilets that are unusable due to poor maintenance. It was further highlighted that in many institutions, male and female teachers are forced to share common toilets, causing severe inconvenience, particularly for female staff. As a result, some female teachers limit their water intake to avoid using inadequate facilities, while others are forced to pay ₹200 per month to access private toilets in nearby homes. The report pointed out that the situation is even worse for students, particularly girls, who have no choice but to relieve themselves in the open, sometimes using fellow students as cover to maintain modesty. Schools in remote areas lack even makeshift solutions, leaving both teachers and students to endure unhygienic conditions for hours. The report stated that many teachers have already begun suffering from urinary infections and other health complications, underscoring the urgent need for immediate intervention.

Questioning the government over use of funds, the court said, “It is beyond understanding as to when there is no dearth of funds and crores of rupees is being invested by the State every year, how the aforesaid situation is prevailing and what the authorities responsible for management of the Schools are doing?”

The court further stressed that the lack of proper sanitation facilities could be a significant factor contributing to the high dropout rates among girl students, preventing them from completing their primary education. It further observed that “if the teaching staff has to struggle for the most basic amenity of a clean toilet, how can it be expected that they would perform their duty with full dedication especially when the aforesaid situation is taking a toll in the form of their ill health and infections.”

The court strongly criticised the authorities, stating that it is high time for the state government to wake up from its deep slumber and take immediate, concrete action to address the crisis.

Ordering immediate action, the High Court directed the Secretary of the School Education Department to submit a personal affidavit detailing the State’s plan to rectify the situation. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on February 10, 2025.

 

Cause Title: In The Matter Of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation v. State Of Chhattisgarh & Ors. [WPPIL No. 17 of 2025]