Prayagraj: UP govt has directed all stat-run primary schools to ensure that girls’ toilets are fully functional, clean and properly maintained, with mandatory photographic evidence to be uploaded on the Prerna portal.The move comes after state-level reviews of earlier uploads revealed gaps, including toilets with locked doors, poor lighting and unclean seats and floors. The director general of school education has issued strict instructions to all basic shiksha adhikaris and block education officers, warning that accountability will be fixed in cases of negligence and that photographs will be regularly monitored. Under the new directive, schools must first remove all shortcomings before uploading fresh images. The photographs must clearly display open doors, adequate lighting and usable facilities to present the actual condition of the toilets rather than symbolic compliance. The initiative is aimed at ensuring dignity, hygiene and safety for girl students, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where sanitation remains a challenge. In Prayagraj, much of the toilet construction and renovation was carried out under Operation Kayakalp. During a recent district-level review meeting, BSA Anil Kumar shared updated data on sanitation facilities in the district’s 2,832 council-run schools. Toilets for boys are reportedly available in 2,829 schools, accounting for 99.89% coverage. In Meja block, coverage is nearly complete, while two schools in Soraon block are still working to meet the target. For girls, officials claim that 99.93% of schools have dedicated toilets, with only one school each in Meja and Soraon yet to be covered. Running water supply has been ensured in almost all schools, except one each in Meja and Pratappur blocks. Tiling work in toilets is also pending in a small number of schools in Meja, Uruwa, Soraon, Pratappur and urban areas. A significant concern, however, remains the absence of toilets for children with special needs. As many as 284 schools in the district lack dedicated facilities for divyang students. Saidabad block is the only block claiming full coverage. Officials have indicated that these gaps will be addressed on priority.
