Maharashtra to Launch Drive for Separate Toilets for Girls in Schools

Following concerns over inadequate sanitation facilities, the state education department will implement a special campaign to ensure safe and dedicated toilets for girls across all schools.

Mumbai | 1 April, 2026: The Maharashtra School Education Department has decided to launch a statewide campaign to address the lack of separate sanitation facilities for girl students, after data revealed significant gaps in school infrastructure.

According to officials from the School Education Department Maharashtra, the initiative will prioritise the construction of dedicated and secure toilets for girls in all government, Zilla Parishad, and local body-run schools. The move comes after reports highlighted that nearly 3% of secondary and higher secondary schools in the state-around 890 institutions-currently lack separate toilet facilities for girls. Officials said efforts are underway to mobilise funds through multiple channels, including District Planning Committees, rural employment schemes, corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, and allocations from various government departments. Coordination with district-level authorities is being actively pursued to ensure timely implementation of the initiative.

The campaign will not only focus on constructing new toilets but also on improving the maintenance, cleanliness, and water availability in existing facilities. Authorities have stressed that proper upkeep is essential to ensure sustained usage and effectiveness of the infrastructure.

Education experts have long pointed out that inadequate sanitation facilities disproportionately affect girls’ attendance and overall well-being. The absence of safe and hygienic toilets often leads to increased absenteeism, particularly among adolescent students.

The department has reiterated that improving basic infrastructure is a key component of enhancing educational outcomes. By ensuring access to essential facilities, the government aims to create a safer and more inclusive learning environment for girls.

Earlier directives had already allowed the use of funds from schemes such as MGNREGA, Finance Commission grants, Jal Jeevan Mission, and local development funds for sanitation projects. The current campaign is expected to accelerate implementation and close the remaining gaps.

Officials emphasised that the initiative will be closely monitored at the district level, with regular follow-ups to ensure that targets are met within stipulated timelines.

The move is being seen as an important step toward improving gender-sensitive infrastructure in schools and strengthening efforts to promote education, health, and dignity for girl students across Maharashtra.

school toilets for girls Maharashtra, education infrastructure India, school sanitation campaign, girls hygiene facilities India, CSR school projects India, Jal Officials said efforts are underway to mobilise funds through multiple channels, including District Planning Committees, rural employment schemes, corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, and allocations from various government departments. Coordination with district-level authorities is being actively pursued to ensure timely implementation of the initiative.

The campaign will not only focus on constructing new toilets but also on improving the maintenance, cleanliness, and water availability in existing facilities. Authorities have stressed that proper upkeep is essential to ensure sustained usage and effectiveness of the infrastructure.

Education experts have long pointed out that inadequate sanitation facilities disproportionately affect girls’ attendance and overall well-being. The absence of safe and hygienic toilets often leads to increased absenteeism, particularly among adolescent students.

The department has reiterated that improving basic infrastructure is a key component of enhancing educational outcomes. By ensuring access to essential facilities, the government aims to create a safer and more inclusive learning environment for girls.

Earlier directives had already allowed the use of funds from schemes such as MGNREGA, Finance Commission grants, Jal Jeevan Mission, and local development funds for sanitation projects. The current campaign is expected to accelerate implementation and close the remaining gaps.

Officials emphasised that the initiative will be closely monitored at the district level, with regular follow-ups to ensure that targets are met within stipulated timelines.

The move is being seen as an important step toward improving gender-sensitive infrastructure in schools and strengthening efforts to promote education, health, and dignity for girl students across Maharashtra.

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune