A recent social audit has brought to light major deficiencies in schools across the Shimla district, raising concerns regarding the compliance with Right to Education (RTE) standards. The audit encompassed 444 educational institutions under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) initiative and revealed that many schools struggle with inadequate facilities, posing challenges to effective education.

The findings, disclosed during a public hearing in Theog, engaged over 2,100 stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and local education officials. Himachal Pradesh’s Education Minister Rohit Thakur attended and addressed some grievances, acknowledging the audit outcomes and recognising the work still required for education improvement in the region.

Thakur remarked on the achievements of the state in education while admitting that significant hurdles remain. He committed to addressing the discrepancies highlighted in the audit, which he considers essential for enhancing educational quality in the district.

Assessment Methodology and Findings

The audit, led by a team from Himachal Pradesh University, assessed nearly 20 per cent of schools in Shimla district. The team, under the guidance of Arpana Negi and Randhir Ranta, aims to evaluate all educational establishments in four subsequent phases. Ranta indicated that the report marks a crucial step in identifying systemic challenges affecting educational standards.

According to the audit, close to 47 per cent of the surveyed schools faced shortages of proper classroom spaces, with many lacking adequate furniture. Approximately 78 per cent of institutions were found with either insufficient or unsuitable seating options for students, adversely affecting the learning environment.

Safety emerged as a pressing concern, with over 43 per cent of schools reporting the absence of boundary walls. Additionally, nearly 79 per cent of schools lacked access to motorable roads, significantly hindering accessibility for students and complicating the situation for those with disabilities.

Basic Amenities Under Scrutiny

One of the most alarming findings from the audit was that 81 per cent of surveyed schools did not provide clean drinking water, raising serious health and hygiene concerns for students. Furthermore, sanitation facilities were found to be inadequate, with about 23 per cent of schools lacking functional toilets for girls and 30 per cent for boys. The absence of these basic amenities is critical for ensuring a conducive learning environment.

The audit process further uncovered deficiencies in the Mid-Day Meal programme, with 5 per cent of schools lacking separate kitchens. Menstrual hygiene management was highlighted as an area needing immediate attention, with over 13 per cent of schools not providing sanitary pads for adolescent girls.

The audit report emphasised the importance of child safety, noting that more than 58 per cent of schools had not established School Safety Committees, and three-fourths lacked complaint and suggestion boxes. Moreover, none of the surveyed schools had professional counselling services available, underscoring the need for better support for students’ mental well-being.

Administrative oversight also drew criticism, with over 26 per cent of schools failing to meet the required library standards. Reportedly, education officials’ inspections did not meet the necessary frequency, leading to questions regarding the academic environment in the schools.

After the public hearing, parents and community representatives called for urgent improvements in school infrastructure, road connectivity, and student safety measures, along with enhanced monitoring and accountability among officials. The findings from this audit are set to be submitted to the state Education Department for further considerations towards remedial actions.

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