In a glaring example of neglected school infrastructure, over two hundred female students at a government high school in Karnataka's Bidar district are forced to share a single toilet, a situation that has remained unchanged for over a decade. The Government Girls' High School in Chitaguppa town, Kalaburagi, has been grappling with this severe sanitation crisis, causing daily hardship and health concerns for its pupils and staff.
A Decade of Neglect and Daily Struggles
The solitary toilet on the school premises was constructed twelve years ago. Since then, despite a consistent student strength, no additional facilities have been built. The school has 220 students on its rolls, with approximately 200 girl students attending classes regularly. The problem is compounded by the presence of seven female teachers who also rely on the same inadequate facility.
Students describe the daily ordeal, especially during peak times. Bhagyashri, a Class X student, highlighted the chaos during the lunch break. "We face a huge problem when all students get a break. The single toilet gets blocked because there is a long queue of girls waiting to use it," she explained. The congestion is so severe that teachers are forced to allow students to use the toilet during class hours to avoid the impossible rush during breaks.
Safety Concerns and Failed Requests
The lack of toilets also raises serious safety issues. Ambika, another student, revealed that the girls cannot even resort to using open spaces behind the school building due to the constant menace of street dogs. This leaves them with no alternative, forcing them to endure the long wait or avoid drinking water.
Parents have repeatedly criticised the school authority for the appalling lack of basic amenities. In response, the school administration claims to have made several appeals for help. School headmaster Basavaraj Mehthre told sources that they have requested additional toilets both through written letters and oral appeals to higher officials. "We have requested for toilets through letter and orally to our higher official, who is looking into it. Soon, we will get two more toilets," Mehthre stated, though no concrete timeline has been provided for this promised relief.
A Systemic Failure Affecting Health and Dignity
This case is not just about infrastructure; it's a direct attack on the health, dignity, and right to education of young girls. The chronic shortage of toilets forces students into unhygienic conditions and can lead to urinary tract infections and other health problems. It also contributes to anxiety and discomfort, directly impacting their ability to focus on studies.
The situation at the Chitaguppa school underscores a broader systemic failure in providing basic sanitation facilities in government schools, particularly those for girls. Despite numerous government schemes and campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which emphasise school sanitation, the ground reality in many institutions remains bleak. The pending request for new toilets for over twelve years points to a deep-seated apathy and bureaucratic delays in addressing critical needs.
Until the promised two toilets are constructed, the 200-plus girls and their teachers will continue to face this undignified and unhealthy challenge every single school day, a stark reminder of the work still needed to make schools safe and conducive for all students.
