Varanasi primary schools in poor condition, HC orders inspection

Taking serious note of the poor condition of government primary schools in Varanasi district, the Allahabad High Court on Monday directed the district magistrate (DM) to undertake inspection of all schools in the presence of basic education officer and submit a report by August 21.

Concerned over the dilapidated condition of buildings of some of these schools, it directed the DM to ensure that no accident takes place at these schools in the meanwhile.

Hearing a PIL filed by non-governmental organization Jan Adhikar Manch, a division bench comprising justices Govind Mathur and Chandra Dhari Singh directed that the case be listed on August 21.

The petitioner has sought appropriate directions from the state government and its functionaries to ensure security, hygiene and all other amenities at different government primary schools at Varanasi.

The PIL claimed that a team of the NGO visited as many as 17 schools of the area and found that they were in pitiable condition and not at all fit to continue educational activities.

While expressing concern over the report, the court observed, "Ongoing through the report and the averment contained in the petition, prima facie, we are satisfied that the government is required to take immediate steps to ensure all security at the schools aforesaid. The state government is also required to ensure the necessary hygiene and availability of other amenities".

The court directed the Varanasi DM to undertake inspection of all the schools of the district in presence of basic education officer, Varanasi by August 19 and submit a complete report on or before August 21.