Rs. 23 cr. sanctioned for Swachh Vidyalaya campaign in AP

Coinciding with the launch of Swachh Bharat Swachh Vidyalaya campaign, the Andhra Pradesh Government has sanctioned Rs. 23.16 crore for maintenance of toilets and drinking water facilities in all the government schools in the State.

Authorities plan to take up repair and construction of toilets in schools under ZPP, MPP and Sarva Siksha Abhiyan from October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. There are 9,720 primary schools, 2,295 upper primary and 3,999 high schools in all the 13 districts. But in most schools the drinking water and toilet facilities leave a lot to be desired.

In order to ensure that girl students are not inconvenienced, authorities have decided to reserve one toilet for them in schools which have only one facility. There are 8,000 such schools. In the coming months the SSA plans to construct another toilet for boys. For want of maintenance toilets and drinking water facilities have become dysfunctional in most of the schools. “Now that the government has sanctioned funds these problems will be addressed,” said V. Usha Rani, State Project Director, SSA.

Government has approved monthly maintenance grant of Rs. 1,000 for primary schools with more than 60 students, Rs. 1500 for upper primary schools with more than 100 students and Rs. 2,500 for high schools with 150 and more students. The sanction of maintenance grant is also intended to fulfil the Supreme Court order directing all State governments to provide adequate number of toilets and drinking water facilities in schools.

The SSA has proposed to observe the Swacch Vidyalya campaign from September 25 to October 31. As per the Union government guidelines attempt will be made to bring about a behavioural change among children towards hygiene and cleanliness. During this period students will be encouraged to take up cleaning of class rooms, laboratories, libraries, playgrounds, toilets, drinking water areas. Essay writing and painting competitions besides debates will also be organised on the importance of cleanliness.

“The idea is to inculcate the spirit of cleanliness and an aversion to unhygienic conditions among children,” Ms. Rani said.