One recurrent complaint that emerged during a recent public hearing of the NCPCR was the poor state of infrastructure in schools and hostels in the hinterland.

A study of about 50 panchayat schools brought out by People’s Watch in 10 districts served as a sample. Activists deposed that majority of the schools lacked basic amenities, such as a proper building. Drinking water facilities were non-existent in several institutions. Some of the schools, the study stated, had one toilet for 300 students. This rendered the facility unusable owing to lack of maintenance, thereby influencing enrollment.