New Delhi/IBNS: The Centre has asked the states and union territories to create hand washing facilities with the provision of soap, and train teachers to impart hygiene education to students in all the schools across the country, the Ministry of Education of India said on Thursday.
The States/UTs have been asked to fast track the provision of stand-alone piped water supply solutions and simple, sustainable solar solutions, it said .
A joint advisory issued by the Ministrys Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Jal Shakti, NITI Aayog and other ministries said the rejuvenation of basic infrastructure, including improved sanitation facilities and provision of safe drinking water and maintaining the overall cleanliness in the government schools has long been a priority.
The Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) Report 2021-22 suggests some gaps in toilets and hand washing facilities.
The Government has asked states that all these gaps need to be filled by following the saturation approach.
The advisory said that under the Jal Jeevan Mission, provision of safe tap water supply in schools, anganwadi centres, and ashram shalas is a top priority.
Flexibility has been given to the State/UTs to provide stand-alone piped water supply solutions instead of waiting for the completion of the village water supply infrastructure for the schools and simple sustainable solar solutions may also be provided.
Any requirement of funds for repair or construction of toilets, hand washing facilities or drinking water may be met from funds being released under 15th Finance commission, State Finance Commission, MGNREGS, District Mineral funds and any other sources, following the extant guidelines of these schemes/sources, the advisory added.
(With UNI Inputs)
