When Newsline visited various government schools, the toilets were found in a deplorable condition and sanitation was also in a poor state with most of the drains being clogged. In GMSSS (Girls), Sector 18, the toilets did not have waste bins as a result of which garbage was scattered everywhere. While there was no water in the taps, the flush too was not in a working condition. Anujit Kaur, School Principal clarifies, “We have appointed sweepers on daily wages. With the new contractor taking charge from tomorrow, the school will not face further problem.”

The condition of Government High School, Hallo Majra too was unhygienic. The sewerage system was out of order and the bathroom walls were on the verge of collapsing. Sushma Jain, Principal of the school said: “We have been repeatedly asking the Maintenance department to look into the matter. The department had even sanctioned funds for the renovation but dropped the idea at the last moment.”

Toilets of the Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 20, too were in a sorry state. Leaking roofs and non-operational flushes washed away the claims of the Education department that extra care is being taken in the upkeep of school toilets. Kusum Gupta, Principal of the school says, “There were no sweepers as the contract of the previous contractor had expired. We have appointed sweepers and cleanliness will now be taken care of.”