CUTTACK: The State Government on Wednesday submitted before the Orissa High Court that it would ensure provisioning of drinking water facilities at all schools by the end of August, 2016.
Chief Secretary AP Padhy and Secretary, School and Mass Education Ranjana Chopra, who appeared in person before the bench of acting Chief Justice PK Mohanty and Justice B Mohanty, also committed that the posts of teacher in all schools will be filled up by the same period. So far as providing separate toilets for boys and girls is concerned, the works would be completed by end of November, 2016, the officials said.
The assurances were made in response to the PIL instituted by High Court Legal Services Committee on the basis of a news item published in The New Indian Express. The Court, while expressing lack of proper infrastructure in schools and and high dropout rates in primary and high schools, had directed the State Government to take steps in the matter.
The court had observed that it would monitor the issue till the purpose of Right to Education and Right to Life is achieved.