Fri Dec 12 04:48:10 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article rewrite:
Summary:
A report from The Hindu highlights significant infrastructure deficiencies in Karnataka’s government schools. Specifically, 170 schools lack toilet facilities, and 61 lack access to drinking water. Many schools also have insufficient numbers of toilets, with a large number lacking separate facilities for boys and girls. The situation is even more dire for Children with Special Needs (CwSN), as the vast majority of schools do not have CwSN-friendly toilets. While the government reports progress in recent years with repairs and new construction, a child rights activist emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive approach that considers the diverse needs of students with disabilities and provides adequate teacher training. The Minister of School Education, Madhu Bangarappa, acknowledges the issues and cites allocated funds for improvements in the current fiscal year.
News Article:
Karnataka Schools Face Infrastructure Crisis: Hundreds Lack Toilets, Water Access
Bengaluru, December 12, 2025 – Hundreds of government schools across Karnataka are grappling with a severe lack of basic infrastructure, leaving thousands of students without adequate sanitation and access to clean drinking water. The alarming situation was revealed by School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa in response to a question in the Legislative Council.
According to the Minister, 170 schools lack toilet facilities altogether, while 61 are without a source of drinking water. Even in schools with toilets, the numbers are often inadequate, with 701 lacking separate facilities for girls and 2,039 lacking separate facilities for boys, forcing students to share common restrooms.
“Ours is a higher primary school with over 300 students, and over half of those students are girls. However, there is no separate toilet for such a large number of girls,” said the Head Master of a government school in Laggere, Bengaluru. “There are only 5 toilets in the school, and all the students have to use these.”
The situation is particularly concerning for Children with Special Needs (CwSN). A staggering 39,478 government schools lack toilets specifically designed to meet their needs.
“The government has a misconception about Persons with Disabilities (PwD),” said Nagasimha Rao, a child rights activist. “Basic facilities, including toilets, should be developed in any school, keeping in mind CwSN students. The government should formulate any school project keeping in mind CwSN students.”
Minister Bangarappa stated that the government has allocated significant funds this fiscal year (2025-26) – ₹360 crore for classroom construction, ₹100 crore for repairs, and ₹90 crore for toilet construction. While acknowledging the progress made in recent years with repairs and construction, the report highlights the urgent need for continued and targeted investment to ensure all students in Karnataka have access to safe and adequate learning environments.
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