"Sorry state of affairs": Karnataka High Court on lack of drinking water, washrooms for girls in government schools

The Karnataka High Court reprimanded the State government on Monday for its failure to adequately provide drinking water and washroom facilities for girls in government schools across the State. .While hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition, a division bench of Chief Justice PB Varale and Justice MGS Kamal chastised the government, calling this a sorry state of affairs. It was pointed out that these are minimum requirements in government schools. .On examining a report submitted before it, the Court also took note of the fact that out of 2,000 schools in Kalaburgi, 22 did not have drinking water facilities and 126 did not have washrooms.In this regard, the Division Bench asked the government whether the school inspectors were fulfilling their duties. "What are these school inspectors.. are they supposed to submit their periodical reports? Have you verified that such reports were submitted? Even if they have, what is the use? What is the superior officer doing," the Court asked..It went on to note that these duties were enumerated only on paper and the State appointed authorities were not taking required steps. "Are the inspectors only sitting in their office? Should they not periodically visit school and the superior office should issue directions," the Court demanded..The PIL dealt with the issue of failure to implement provisions of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 and the Karnataka Right to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, which resulted in a large number of children being out of school. In fact, it was pointed out during the hearing that even though cognizance of the PIL was taken in 2013 and ten years passed since, the situation has only worsened..Eventually, the Court adjourned the hearing to June 15, while directing the State government to file its response regarding action taken on the recommendations submitted by the amicus curiae.