Over 4700 J&K schools without clean drinking water

Srinagar, Mar 25: Out of 18,724 government schools in the Union Territory, 4,745 are without access to clean drinking water, while 8,457 schools lack functional toilets. In addition, 5,540 schools operate without libraries, and 9,169 schools do not have proper playgrounds, authorities on Tuesday said.
In a reply to an unstarred question by MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania about 18,724 Government schools in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which schools are either without Union Territory of facilities or do not have sufficient facilities.
In a written response to MLA Sakina Itoo, the Minister of Education disclosed alarming statistics on inadequate infrastructure in government schools across the Union Territory. Of the 18,724 government schools, thousands lack essential facilities vital for a safe and conducive learning environment.
According to data, 4,745 schools are without access to clean drinking water, while 8,457 schools lack functional toilets. Additionally, 5,540 schools operate without libraries, and 9,169 schools are missing proper playgrounds. The absence of boundary walls was noted in 12,615 schools, and 9,130 schools do not have internet connectivity.
Addressing concerns regarding the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, the government said Cook-cum-Helpers are engaged on an honorarium basis as per the guidelines of the centrally sponsored scheme. With a cost-sharing ratio of 90:10 between the Centre and the State, these positions are temporary, and there is no policy for regularization.
On the issue of regulating exorbitant fees in private schools, the government highlighted the establishment of the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) through Government Order No. 520 of 2013.
“The committee, led by a retired J&K High Court judge, has the statutory authority to determine and regulate fee structures to prevent arbitrary hikes,” reply said.
Regarding admissions for students from economically weaker sections (EWS), the government clarified that there is no reservation for Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) children in private schools under the Education Act 2002. However, free education, textbooks, uniforms, and mid-day meals are provided to all students up to Class 8 in government schools.
It further said that the Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009 mandates that private unaided institutions and special category schools reserve 25% of seats for children from disadvantaged and weaker sections, ensuring inclusivity in education