The High Court of Karnataka has observed that the government’s failure to furnish essential infrastructure in schools is compelling individuals who cannot even afford three meals a day to enrol their children in private educational institutions. The court has emphasised that it was made aware of the deficiencies in government schools, such as the absence of restrooms and drinking water facilities, back in 2013, but no substantial action has been taken since then, according to an official statement.
As of now, there are 464 government schools without restrooms and 32 schools lack access to drinking water, the court has pointed out. Expressing its dissatisfaction with the government’s lack of action, the court has mandated that an affidavit detailing plans to provide basic facilities in all schools must be submitted within eight weeks, the statement mentioned.
During the hearing, while referring to the state government’s free assistance programmes for underprivileged individuals, the court has expressed support for such initiatives. However, it has emphasised that prioritising the provision of necessary amenities and infrastructure in schools attended by economically disadvantaged students should be paramount, as per the statement.
“Education is a fundamental right,” the court has declared, “but governments have failed to supply the necessary resources in government schools, thereby driving impoverished families to opt for private schools.” This situation indirectly benefits private educational institutions, the court has noted.
Due to the absence of fundamental amenities, government schools remain closed, forcing parents, even when facing financial hardship, to send their children to private schools as they have no other viable option. The court has recorded in its order, “Such a situation frustrates the objective of making primary education a fundamental right as guaranteed by the Constitution of India.”
With inputs from PTI.