NEW DELHI: An independent survey on school and anganwadi infrastructure in the country shows that only 10% anganwadis and 18% schools across six states actually deliver all that they promise. The infrastructure was judged on the basis of availability of clean drinking water, safe pucca buildings and toilets for girls. Incidentally, the survey has been conducted by 20,000 children who physically verified the structures in their own and neighbouring villages.
The survey is part of `9 is mine' campaign by Wada Na Todo Abhiyan, World Vision India and National Coalition for Education that advocates increased spending on health and education.
Class 12 student Pinky Pal from Uttarakhand who visited 10 villages in Dehradun said that besides the lack of infrastructure and basic provisions like water and clean classrooms, discrimination on the basis of caste was rampant. Pal said, "Boys in the class tease girls if they find out that they are from a lower caste. In fact many did not ask for scholarship funds because that would mean they would be identified as backwards but I did not hesitate." She added that the condition of most anganwadis and schools was below satisfactory.
Similar thoughts were echoed by students from across the country including Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab. The campaign covered 3,677 schools and 3,810 anganwadis spread across 16 states and 1,000 villages. Of the 3,677 schools that were surveyed by the children, 77% had safe drinking water but only 62% had exclusive toilets for girls. Many children pointed out that even if there was provision for a girls' toilet, the hygienic conditions were suspect or there was no water supply.
Of the 3,810 anganwadis, only 70% have permanent buildings. Though 60% had a food store, it was in a pitiable condition.
Devraj from Karnataka said that though buildings had been built, many were of poor quality and unsafe. A common refrain was the fact that children were being neglected with anganwadi workers and teachers busy in their personal work rather than providing care, protection and learning to children.
World Vision India director (advocacy) Reni Jacob said, "The basic problem for poor governance is that people are not aware of their entitlements. We want a generation that will stand up for their rights and ask questions of accountability to policy makers so that a better tomorrow awaits our nation."
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The survey is part of `9 is mine' campaign by Wada Na Todo Abhiyan, World Vision India and National Coalition for Education that advocates increased spending on health and education.
Class 12 student Pinky Pal from Uttarakhand who visited 10 villages in Dehradun said that besides the lack of infrastructure and basic provisions like water and clean classrooms, discrimination on the basis of caste was rampant. Pal said, "Boys in the class tease girls if they find out that they are from a lower caste. In fact many did not ask for scholarship funds because that would mean they would be identified as backwards but I did not hesitate." She added that the condition of most anganwadis and schools was below satisfactory.
Similar thoughts were echoed by students from across the country including Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab. The campaign covered 3,677 schools and 3,810 anganwadis spread across 16 states and 1,000 villages. Of the 3,677 schools that were surveyed by the children, 77% had safe drinking water but only 62% had exclusive toilets for girls. Many children pointed out that even if there was provision for a girls' toilet, the hygienic conditions were suspect or there was no water supply.
Of the 3,810 anganwadis, only 70% have permanent buildings. Though 60% had a food store, it was in a pitiable condition.
Devraj from Karnataka said that though buildings had been built, many were of poor quality and unsafe. A common refrain was the fact that children were being neglected with anganwadi workers and teachers busy in their personal work rather than providing care, protection and learning to children.
World Vision India director (advocacy) Reni Jacob said, "The basic problem for poor governance is that people are not aware of their entitlements. We want a generation that will stand up for their rights and ask questions of accountability to policy makers so that a better tomorrow awaits our nation."
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