Karnataka: HC Questions Congress Government's Failure To Provide Basic Facilities, Infrastructure In Government Schools

The High Court of Karnataka recently called attention to a pressing issue: the Congress-led state government's failure to provide essential infrastructure in schools.

This issue, according to recent findings, is driving economically disadvantaged families to send their children to private schools, even when providing three daily meals is a challenge.

The issue, initially raised in a 2013 public interest litigation, was brought to the forefront during a recent hearing led by the High Court bench, including Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit, as reported by NDTV.

The core question was whether education in India remains accessible only to the privileged, echoing media reports on the exclusion of some children from the education system.

In 2013, the court was made aware of severe deficiencies in government schools, particularly the lack of restrooms and drinking water facilities.

Recent findings reveal that 464 government schools still lack restrooms, and 32 lack drinking water facilities.

Dissatisfied with the government's inaction, the court ordered a sworn statement within eight weeks outlining plans to provide these basic facilities.

During a recent hearing, the court questioned whether it should repeatedly remind the state of this long-standing issue and inquired about the allocation and utilisation of education funds.

While the court acknowledged the state's free schemes for the underprivileged, they emphasised the need to prioritise essential facilities and infrastructure in schools catering to economically disadvantaged students.

The lack of basic facilities has even led to government schools' closure, leaving parents with no choice but to send their children to private schools, despite financial struggles.

The court underlined the profound significance of education, noting that Babasaheb Ambedkar is often portrayed with a book, emphasising the importance of education.

The court granted time for the government to provide a comprehensive report. It was recorded that the government advocate would personally review the report prepared by the amicus and contact the relevant government officials.