Expressing dissatisfaction at the explanation provided by the advocate general regarding provision of potable water, furniture and toilets among other basic facilities in schools, the High Court of Uttarakhand observed that the State Government did not appear serious about providing the said facilities in schools of Uttarakhand. On Thursday, complying with earlier orders of the court in the case, the advocate general submitted before the division bench of the high court that a proposal will be presented before the State cabinet regarding the provision of drinking water, furniture and other basic facilities in the schools. The high court division bench did not appear satisfied with the submission made by the state. The case will be taken up for hearing on Friday.

According to the case details,  Dehradun resident Deepak Rana had filed a public interest litigation in the high court stating that the State’s primary schools were in a bad shape. Midday meals are not served daily to students in such primary schools which also lack adequate furniture for students. The petitioner had further stated that such schools lacked proper water facility. Hearing on the petition in the past, the court had in November 2016 issued 10-point guidelines to the State Government. The court had directed that water facility be provided in government schools, in addition to which midday meals should also be facilitated for all eligible students. Computers, books, uniforms and toilets should also be facilitated in the schools, the court had stated in the guidelines. During an earlier hearing, the State finance secretary had informed the court that a proposal for works amounting to Rs 900 crore had been received from the education department for provision of the said facilities in schools for which the cabinet’s approval is required. He had also stated that the financial position of the state is not good enough to afford the required Rs  900 crore. The court had then ordered provision of Rs 100 crore to provide basic facilities in the schools.