Last Updated on August 25, 2026 6:17 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
By Pradeep Sharma
Raising concerns over the lack of basic amenities in government schools, Abhijit Dipke, the founder and convener of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has written letters to the education ministers of all states, demanding public disclosure regarding the actual condition of schools. The letter highlights that even 80 years after independence, children in many government schools across the country are deprived of basic facilities such as safe drinking water, functional toilets, proper classrooms, and seating benches. Pointing out that videos and photos depicting the dilapidated state of government schools frequently surface on social media, the party stressed that such harsh conditions make it extremely difficult for children to pursue their education.
The systemic neglect of government schools is no secret. In a country where thousands of schools operate with just a single teacher and suffer from a severe shortage of fundamental educational resources, the quality of learning remains a major concern. Many institutions continue to function inside crumbling, dilapidated buildings or even under trees and in open verandahs, raising serious questions about why reforms are continuously delayed and why educational improvement fails to remain a priority for policymakers. While CJP has now taken up this cause, students in various parts of the country have previously taken to the streets demanding better school infrastructure. Ironically, because these schools are primarily relied upon by rural populations, marginalized communities, laborers, and poor families, their voices are frequently ignored.
Recent data highlights broader structural shifts in the education sector, reflecting declining trends in public institution enrollment alongside the expansion of private educational establishments. Critics argue that despite periodic political focus on the state of government schools, successive administrations have failed to bring about transformative changes in their overall direction and condition.
Concerns persist that partisan politics surrounding the issue might overshadow genuine discussions on systemic reforms. Observers note that government schools possess established infrastructure, adequate land space, well-compensated teachers, and official backing, yet struggle to thrive while profit-driven private institutions expand. Basic necessities such as electricity, water supply, and sanitation facilities often remain inadequate, and reports regarding administrative or political interference in teacher appointments frequently emerge in public discourse.
Ultimately, primary education serves as the foundation of any nation’s future. Critics emphasize that neglecting public education systems risks depriving a large segment of the population of their fundamental right to quality learning, making comprehensive reforms an urgent necessity for governance and society alike.