'Toilets For Both Boys & Girls Absolutely Essential For Smooth Functioning Of Schools': Jammu & Kashmir High Court Sets One Month Deadline

“...The provisions of toilets both for boys and girls as well as construction of boundary wall are absolutely essential for the smooth functioning of the schools. Therefore, let the aforesaid works which are in progress be completed within a period of one month from the date copy of this order is made available to the concerned authorities.”

The direction came to passed in a PIL filed by All Jammu and Kashmir & Ladakh Teachers Federation in 2017, seeking proper infrastructure and adequate student-teacher ratio in schools.

During the course of the hearing, the Court's attention was drawn to a status report submitted by the Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, J&K, which highlighted the ongoing and completed works under the AWP&B (civil works) Samagra Shiksha. Notably, the report revealed that several vital projects, including the construction of toilets, were still in progress.

Taking note of the same, the bench ordered the concerned authorities to expedite the pending projects within a strict timeframe of one month. "We would like to know from the Administration about the exact stage of progress and period of completion in respect of 53 and 27 boys and girls toilets as well as 433 boundary wall and 140 boundary walls elementary mentioned in the status report, if not already completed."

Furthermore, the Court stressed the significance of resolving the issue of non-availability of land for schools and the Administration was directed to furnish a detailed report outlining the steps taken, including compulsory acquisition if necessary, to address the challenge.

Additionally, Mr. Vishal Sharma, DSGI counsel for the Union Territory of Ladakh, has been directed to submit an affidavit detailing the steps taken to improve schools in the Union Territory of Ladakh by next date of hearing

The matter will now be taken up on 18th September.

Case Title: All J&K Ladakh Teachers Federation Vs State of J&K and another

Counsel For Petitioner: Mr. Pranav Kohli, Sr. Advocate with Mr. Farhan Mirza, Advocate

Mr. Sumit Nayyar

Click Here To Read/Download Order