In a bid to ensure that all the schools, both private and government, have toilets and drinking water facilities, School Education and Literacy Department Secretary AP Singh has directed the Deputy Commissioners to shut down all the schools lacking these facilities, under Right to Education Act.

The direction has been given in a circular issued by the department for organizing Swacchata Pakhwara (cleanliness fortnight) in all State schools from September 1 to 15.

The letter directs the DCs to either shut down all the schools, which do not have drinking water and toilet facilities or ensure that the facilities are provided immediately.

Singh said, "There has also been reporting of teachers keeping the toilets locked in various schools in Dumka and other districts which lead to accidents. The DCs have been directed to terminate the services of the teachers responsible so that such incidents are not repeated."

The notification gives detailed description of the activities to be conducted during cleanliness fortnight. During the fortnight, teachers will assess the cleanliness facilities in their respective schools and if needed, they would submit a proposal for repair work to the Mukhiyas to get funds from 14th finance commission.

This year, apart from the regular cleanliness, there is a special focus on menstrual hygiene among girls.

Talking about the importance of organizing the fortnight Singh said, "It will help retaining students in schools. Also, it will help improve physical, mental and educational growth of the children. Also, the clean and beautiful environment of the school will increase attendance and performance of students."

A pledge of cleanliness will be taken in all the schools on the first day of the fortnight. A parents-teachers meeting will be held in every school to motivate not just the children but also parents to follow cleanliness practices. A number of competitions will also be organised for students to spread awareness regarding cleanliness among them.

A Swachchata Matdan will also be organised at every school were children will secretly vote whether they and their family members use toilets at their home or not.

To encourage schools to maintain cleanliness, the State government has launched Mukhyamantri Swachcha Vidyalaya Award in which best performing schools will be given Rs. 1 lakh and Rs 50,000 cash prize.