Last updated on July 27th, 2023 at 05:29 pm
The center has asked all states and union territories to provide soap and water hand-washing facilities in all schools and to train teachers to impart hygiene education to students. The provision of stand-alone piped water supply solutions and simple, sustainable solar solutions have been asked to be fast-tracked by states/UTs.
It is mentioned in a joint advisory issued by the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education; Ministry of Jal Shakti; NITI Aayog; Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj that the rejuvenation of basic infrastructure including improved sanitation facilities and provision of safe drinking water and maintaining the overall cleanliness in the Government schools has long been a priority of the Government.
The living standards of the people are improving a lot because of the programs being implemented in mission modes like Swachh Bharat Mission- Grameen (SBM-G) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
The Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) has transformed rural India by becoming a Jan Andolan for sanitation. The focus of Phase -ll of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) is on sustaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) and managing solid and liquid waste.
The objective of the saturation approach is to ensure that no one is left behind from access to improvement including the Schools.
ODF Plus also requires that all schools in villages have arrangements for managing bio-degradable waste and grey water. All the toilets in the schools must be in proper functioning condition.
However, some of them may require retrofitting from single to twin pits. The ongoing campaign to retrofit from single to twin pits may include this.
According to the UDISE Report 2021-22, there are some gaps in toilets and hand washing facilities. The Centre has asked states to fill all these gaps by following the saturation approach.
All schools should have hand-washing facilities with soap. It is essential that hygiene education in all aspects is imparted to the children.
At least one teacher in each school must be trained in hygiene education in order to teach children through interesting activities and community projects that emphasize hygiene behavior.
A chapter on Swachhta has been included in supplementary material developed by NCERT to inculcate good hygiene practices in the schools.
Making provision for safe tap water supply in schools, Anganwadi centers, and Ashram Shalas is a top priority of the Government for ensuring the good health and well-being of our children, the advisory mentioned. This critical intervention was launched in a campaign mode on 2nd Oct 2020.
The campaign aimed at bringing focus to the public health dimension of young children through an assured supply of safe drinking water, especially in times of the pandemic.
schools 96% of the 10.22 lakh government schools have drinking water facilities, according to UDISE+ 2021-22 data. Schools that are run by the government.
Flexibility has been given to the State/UTs to provide stand-alone piped water supply solutions or simple sustainable solar solutions instead of waiting for the completion of the village water supply infrastructure for the Schools.
In view of the importance of safe water for the overall health and well-being of our children, the center asked states to fast-track these projects.
Any requirements for funds for the repair or construction of toilets, hand washing facilities, or drinking water may be met from the 15th Finance Commission, State Finance Commission, MGNREGS, District Mineral funds, or any other sources, following the extant guidelines of these schemes/sources.
