Balangir: Senior lawmaker Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo has issued a unique and pointed challenge to education officials and school headmasters in Balangir: personally use school toilets after the summer vacation to experience firsthand their dilapidated condition and chronic lack of water supply. This directive comes amidst a continuous stream of complaints regarding unsanitary facilities and the harassment faced by girl students due to malfunctioning water provisions.
Shri Singh Deo, the MLA for Balangir, highlighted these concerns during a recent review meeting of various departments in the district. Expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of officials, he advised them to “Talk Less Work More,” indicating a perceived lack of diligence in their duties.
The issue of dysfunctional school toilets, particularly in girls’ schools lacking proper electricity and water, is not new for the lawmaker. Six months ago, Shri Singh Deo raised a question in the State Legislative Assembly regarding the status of these facilities. The reply he received at the time was a vague “Information Is Under Collection.”
Despite this, complaints have continued to pour in over the past half-year, detailing ongoing uncleanness in toilets and the significant problems faced by girl students due to the unavailability of water.
In a direct address to Block Education Officers (BEOs), District Education Officers (DEOs), and school Headmasters, Shri Singh Deo emphatically advised them to personally inspect and use the school toilets once the summer vacation concludes. This unconventional approach aims to compel a more immediate and effective response to a pressing issue that directly impacts the health, hygiene, and dignity of young female students.