A Shameful Neglect — Schools Without Water and Washrooms

Education is often described as the foundation of a nation’s progress. Yet, in many schools today, that foundation stands on crumbling infrastructure and alarming neglect. The lack of basic necessities such as clean drinking water and proper washroom facilities has become a serious concern, raising questions about the priorities of those responsible for managing the education system.

Across several schools, students are forced to study in conditions that fall far below acceptable standards. Many institutions lack safe drinking water, compelling children to carry water from home or rely on unsafe sources nearby. In an era where governments speak of digital classrooms and modern education, the absence of such fundamental facilities reflects a disturbing gap between promises and reality.

Even more troubling is the lack of functional washrooms. In some schools, toilets remain locked, broken, or completely unusable. The situation is particularly difficult for girl students who often face embarrassment and discomfort due to the absence of separate and hygienic washrooms. This neglect not only affects their dignity but also contributes to irregular attendance and, in some cases, dropouts.

Teachers, too, struggle to maintain a healthy and disciplined environment when the basic infrastructure of a school is neglected. Without proper sanitation and water facilities, it becomes nearly impossible to ensure hygiene, health, and concentration among students.

The right to education is not limited to textbooks and classrooms; it includes the right to learn in a safe, clean, and dignified environment. When schools fail to provide even the most basic amenities, it reflects a systemic failure that cannot be ignored.

Authorities must take immediate responsibility and act with urgency. Adequate funding, regular inspections, and strict accountability are necessary to ensure that every school is equipped with clean drinking water and functional washrooms. These are not luxuries but fundamental requirements.

If a nation truly values education, it must first ensure that its schools provide the most basic human necessities. Anything less is not just negligence—it is an injustice to the very students whose futures depend on these institutions.