Introduction
In a significant development, the Centre has informed the Supreme Court that over 97% of schools in India now have separate toilets for girls. This achievement reflects the ongoing efforts to improve sanitation and privacy for young girls in educational institutions across the country.
Key Highlights
- National Average: The national average of schools with separate toilets for girls stands at 97.5%.
- Top Performers: States like Delhi, Goa, and Puducherry have achieved 100% compliance, providing separate toilet facilities for girls in all schools.
- Other States: West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh have impressive numbers, with 99.9% and 98.8% of schools meeting the target, respectively. Other states, including Tamil Nadu (99.7%), Kerala (99.6%), and Gujarat (99.5%), have shown similar progress.
- Challenges: Some states, particularly in the northeastern region and Jammu and Kashmir, still lag behind, with the latter reporting 89.2% of schools with separate girls' toilets.
-
Menstrual Hygiene Policy: The Centre is also working on a national policy for distributing menstrual hygiene products to adolescent girls in schools, which is currently in advanced planning stages.
Importance of the Initiative
The availability of separate toilets for girls is crucial for ensuring their safety, dignity, and comfort in schools. It helps reduce absenteeism and dropout rates among girls, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. The initiative also aligns with the Supreme Court's directive to provide free sanitary pads to girls in Classes 6 to 12 and ensure proper toilet facilities in all schools.
Conclusion
The Centre's report to the Supreme Court highlights the substantial progress made in improving school infrastructure for girls. While there is still work to be done, particularly in the northeastern states and Jammu and Kashmir, the overall improvement is a positive step towards gender equality and better educational outcomes for girls.
