Rajasthan High Court Criticizes State Government Over Dilapidated School Infrastructure
The Rajasthan High Court on Thursday strongly reprimanded the state government for the deplorable condition of government school buildings and the absence of essential facilities. A division bench comprising Justice Mahendra Kumar Goyal and Justice Ashok Kumar Jain highlighted the urgent need for public participation to improve educational infrastructure across the state.
Court Questions High Costs and Advocates Community Involvement
The bench observed a stark contrast in construction costs, noting that while individuals can build houses at relatively lower expenses, government projects often incur disproportionately high expenditures. Emphasizing the power of local cooperation, the court pointed out that even basic necessities like cupboards in schools have been successfully arranged through community efforts in the past.
Directives for Transparency and Safety Measures
In a significant move, the court directed the state government to upload a comprehensive list of all schools in the public domain. The bench stated that "potential donors would come forward on their own" once this information is accessible, facilitating external support for infrastructure upgrades.
Furthermore, the court reiterated that no school should operate without a proper safety audit. Expressing concern over the logistical challenges, the bench questioned the feasibility of committees inspecting nearly 1 lakh schools across Rajasthan.
Government Response and Implementation Plans
Advocate General Rajendra Prasad informed the court that provisions under the National Education Policy (NEP) would be utilized to streamline safety checks. He assured the bench that "the safety certification of schools would be completed before July," providing a clear timeline for compliance.
The court also advised the government to coordinate with various stakeholders, including local communities and educational bodies, to devise practical solutions for infrastructure improvements. Additionally, it directed that all repair works be executed through the Public Works Department (PWD) to ensure accountability and quality.
This ruling underscores the judiciary's focus on enhancing the quality of education through better infrastructure and community engagement, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
