Center asks States/UTs to create hand washing facilities, train teachers to educate students

 

The Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) report 2021-22 suggests some gaps in toilets and hand washing facilities. The Center has told the states that all these gaps need to be filled by following a saturation approach. In addition, hand washing facilities with provision of soap should be created in all schools

New Delhi: The central government has asked states and union territories to create hand-washing facilities and train teachers to impart hygiene education to students in schools across the country.

States and Union Territories have been asked to fast-track the provision of stand-alone piped water supply solutions and simple, sustainable solar solutions.

Joint Advisory issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education; Ministry of Jal Shakti; Policy Commission; The Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has referred to the rejuvenation of infrastructure including better sanitation facilities and provision of safe drinking water in government schools and maintaining overall cleanliness.

The Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) report 2021-22 suggests some gaps in toilets and hand washing facilities. The Center has told the states that all these shortfalls need to be filled by following a saturation approach. In addition, hand washing facilities with provision of soap should be created in all schools.

“It is also necessary that hygiene education is imparted to children on all aspects of cleanliness. For this purpose, at least one teacher in every school should be trained in hygiene education, who in turn train children through interesting activities and community projects emphasizing on hygiene behaviour. A chapter on sanitation has been included in the supplementary material at the primary stage developed by the NCERT to inculcate good sanitation practices in schools," the education ministry said.

The advisory also mentions that under the Jal Jeevan Mission, provision of safe tap water supply in schools, anganwadi centres, ashram shalas is the top priority of the government to ensure good health and well-being of our children.

"So far, functional drinking water facility has been provided in 9.83 lakh (96% approx) government schools out of about 10.22 lakh government schools, as per UDISE+ 2021-22 data," the ministry said.

The advisory mentions that States/UTs have been given the flexibility to provide stand-alone piped water supply solutions instead of waiting for completion of village water supply infrastructure for schools and simple sustainable solar solutions can also be provided.

The Center asked the states to fast-track these projects considering the importance of safe water for the overall health and well-being of our children.

Repair of toilets, hand washing facilities or drinking water from the funds being released under 15th Finance Commission, State Finance Commission, MNREGA, District Mineral Fund and any other sources, following the existing guidelines of these schemes or Any requirement of funds for construction can be met. /Formula.