Most government schools in rural India do not have adequate resources or facilities to provide a safe and conducive learning environment to children. Schools are often found without drinking water, sanitary facilities are defunct or non-functional without access to water, and the school campus is poorly maintained. Many school management committees exist only on paper. SMC members are often unaware of their role and responsibilities and lack the skills to function as effective members. As a result, children are not inspired to attend school, and their parents are not motivated to send them. Without drinking water and toilet facilities, schoolchildren (especially girls) are forced to leave school premises in the middle of the school day, and often they do not return.
This lack of continuity and discipline demotivates teachers as well, which affects the quality of education and reaffirms parents’ doubts about the school—creating a vicious circle. The student attendance in these government schools is low compared to the total number of children in the village and further decreases day by day due to the lack of essential facilities and the unfavorable environment for quality education.
