Advocate Rapolu Bhaskar has voiced strong concerns over the inadequate sanitation facilities in government-run boys’ and girls’ schools, particularly in Telangana. In his representation to the authorities, he highlighted the dire condition of toilets, emphasizing their critical impact on students’ health, dignity, and education. His advocacy aims to bring urgent reforms to improve the quality and accessibility of sanitation facilities in these schools.

Key Concerns Raised

Unhygienic Conditions

Bhaskar pointed out that many government schools lack basic hygiene standards in their toilets. Issues such as the absence of running water, soap, and proper waste disposal systems make the facilities unusable, exposing students to health risks and infections.

Gender Disparities

The lack of gender-sensitive sanitation facilities disproportionately affects girls, particularly adolescent students. Bhaskar emphasized the absence of menstrual hygiene management systems, such as sanitary pad dispensers and disposal units, which leads to higher absenteeism and dropout rates among girls.

Infrastructure Gaps

Many schools either do not have toilets or have facilities that are poorly constructed and inadequately maintained. Broken fixtures, clogged pipes, and foul odors often force students to avoid using them or resort to unsafe alternatives, compromising their health and safety.

Proposed Solutions

Improved Infrastructure

Bhaskar called for the immediate repair and reconstruction of dilapidated toilets, ensuring separate, functional facilities for boys and girls. Adequate water supply, lighting, and ventilation should be integral to these improvements.

Regular Maintenance and Monitoring

The representation stressed the importance of appointing dedicated staff for toilet cleaning and maintenance. It also recommended establishing strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure consistent hygiene standards.

Gender-Sensitive Sanitation Facilities

To support girl students, Bhaskar proposed the introduction of menstrual hygiene management systems in schools. This includes the installation of sanitary pad dispensers, disposal units, and private changing areas.

Health and Hygiene Awareness

Bhaskar suggested initiating programs to educate students and school staff on the importance of hygiene and sanitation. These efforts aim to foster responsible usage and upkeep of facilities.

Advocating Accountability and Action

Advocate Bhaskar has urged the government to take immediate and concrete actions to address these issues. He called for periodic audits of school sanitation facilities and the transparent allocation of funds for construction and maintenance. Additionally, he encouraged community participation to oversee and sustain these initiatives.

Advocate Bhaskar’s Vision

Advocate Rapolu Bhaskar’s representation is a call to action for prioritizing sanitation in government schools as a fundamental aspect of education and child welfare. By advocating for better toilets and hygiene practices, he seeks to create a safe, dignified, and inclusive environment for students. His efforts aim to ensure that every child, irrespective of gender, has access to basic sanitation facilities, thereby promoting health, education, and equality. This vision aligns with building a future where government schools are not just centers of learning but also pillars of well-being and empowerment for all students.