Recently, while hearing a PIL filed by All Jammu and Kashmir & Ladakh Teachers Federation in 2017, seeking proper infrastructure and adequate student-teacher ratio in the schools in the State, the division bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said Toilets for boys and girls are absolutely important for smooth functioning of schools

“The provisions of toilets both for boys and girls as well as construction of boundary wall are absolutely essential for the smooth functioning of the schools. Therefore, let the aforesaid works which are in progress be completed within a period of one month from the date copy of this order is made available to the concerned authorities.”

During the hearing, the bench observed that Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, submit a status report highlighted the ongoing and completed works under the AWP&B (civil works) Samagra Shiksha.

In its report it was mentioned that several vital projects, including the construction of toilets, were still in progress.

"We would like to know from the Administration about the exact stage of progress and period of completion in respect of 53 and 27 boys and girls toilets as well as 433 boundary wall and 140 boundary walls elementary mentioned in the status report, if not already completed."

The Court mentioned about the necessity of resolving the issue of non-availability of land for schools and the Administration was directed to furnish a detailed report outlining the steps taken, including compulsory acquisition if necessary, to address the challenge.

The Court also directed Mr. Vishal Sharma, DSGI counsel for the Union Territory of Ladakh, to submit an affidavit detailing the steps taken to improve schools in the Union Territory of Ladakh by next date of hearing

The next date of hearing is on 18th September.

Case Title: All J&K Ladakh Teachers Federation Vs State of J&K and another