{"id":11526,"date":"2026-04-13T11:22:40","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T11:22:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/d.sheep-mine.ts.net\/?p=11526"},"modified":"2026-04-13T11:22:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T11:22:40","slug":"130226219-cms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/d.sheep-mine.ts.net\/?p=11526","title":{"rendered":"How are 890 schools still running without girls\u2019 toilets in Maharashtra? | Mumbai News &#8211; The Times of India"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"e9jwa\">\n<div class=\"vdo_embedd\">\n<div class=\"GfdvZ\">\n<section class=\"_bIDB  clearfix id-r-component leadmedia undefined undefined  E9tg9 \" style=\"top:0px\">\n<div class=\"_bIDB\" data-ua-type=\"1\" onclick=\"stpPgtnAndPrvntDefault(event)\">\n<div class=\"ypVvZ\">\n<div class=\"WGttI\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130231311,imgsize-100612,width-400,height-225,resizemode-72\/basic-facilities-missing-as-890-schools-lack-girls-toilets-in-maharashtra-ai-image-used-for-representational-purpose-only.jpg\" alt=\"How are 890 schools still running without girls\u2019 toilets in Maharashtra?\" title=\"Basic facilities missing as 890 schools lack girls\u2019 toilets in Maharashtra (AI image used for representational purpose only)\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"Ta7d_ img_cptn\"><span title=\"Basic facilities missing as 890 schools lack girls\u2019 toilets in Maharashtra (AI image used for representational purpose only)\">Basic facilities missing as 890 schools lack girls\u2019 toilets in Maharashtra (AI image used for representational purpose only)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> While <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/topic\/maharashtra\" styleobj=\"[object Object]\" class=\"\" commonstate=\"[object Object]\" frmappuse=\"1\">Maharashtra<\/a> races to build AI-powered classrooms, smart boards and digital learning systems, a far more basic question refuses to fade: how do 890 schools still function without separate toilets for girls?<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"4\"\/> It is a striking contrast playing out inside classrooms across the state. <!-- -->One side is pushing towards artificial intelligence and modern learning tools, while the other continues to struggle with something as fundamental as sanitation.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"8\"\/> <\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\u200bGirls wait near inadequate toilet facility (AI image used for representational purpose only)\" msid=\"130231138\" width=\"\" title=\"Girls wait near inadequate toilet facility (AI image used for representational purpose only)\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-130231138\/girls-wait-near-inadequate-toilet-facility-ai-image-used-for-representational-purpose-only.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Girls wait near inadequate toilet facility (AI image used for representational purpose only)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"11\"\/> As the state expands investments in technology-driven education, gaps in basic school facilities continue to persist across several districts. The contradiction is becoming increasingly visible ambitious digital upgrades on one hand, and unresolved infrastructure shortages on the other. <!-- -->While classrooms are being modernised, many schools still lack facilities that directly impact attendance, dignity and safety of students, especially girls.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"16\"\/> <\/p>\n<p><h2>890 schools, one clear shortfall<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"20\"\/> Out of 29,641 secondary and higher secondary schools in Maharashtra, nearly 3% (890 schools) do not have separate toilets for girls.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"22\"\/> Beed reports the highest number at 112 schools. It is followed by districts such as Hingoli, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/topic\/nanded\" styleobj=\"[object Object]\" class=\"\" commonstate=\"[object Object]\" frmappuse=\"1\">Nanded<\/a>, Parbhani, Gadchiroli, Jalgaon, Amravati, Nashik and Sindhudurg, each reporting between 50 and 100 schools without separate toilet facilities.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"27\"\/> The spread of the data suggests the issue is not confined to isolated pockets, but is distributed across multiple regions. Even as some districts have seen improvements, others continue to lag, creating uneven learning conditions within the same system.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"29\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>When access decides attendance<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"33\"\/> The absence of separate toilets is not just an infrastructure gap it directly affects whether girls continue attending school regularly.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"35\"\/> <\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\u200bAbandoned school toilet shows neglect (AI image used for representational purpose only)\" msid=\"130231160\" width=\"\" title=\"Abandoned school toilet shows neglect (AI image used for representational purpose only)\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-130231160\/abandoned-school-toilet-shows-neglect-ai-image-used-for-representational-purpose-only.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Abandoned school toilet shows neglect (AI image used for representational purpose only)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"38\"\/> Across studies and field observations, a clear pattern has emerged:<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"40\"\/> <\/p>\n<div class=\"cdatainfo   id-r-component \" data-pos=\"43\">\n<ul>\n<li> Decline in attendance among adolescent girls <\/li>\n<li> Dropouts after puberty due to lack of privacy <\/li>\n<li> Health issues linked to poor hygiene conditions <\/li>\n<li> Anxiety and discomfort in attending school <\/li>\n<li> Reduced sense of safety within school premises <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p> In rural and semi-urban areas, these factors often determine whether girls continue education beyond middle and secondary levels. For many families, the condition of school infrastructure becomes a deciding factor in continuing education.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"45\"\/> <\/p>\n<p><h2>Smart classrooms, uneven foundations<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"50\"\/> The state\u2019s education system has seen a steady push towards digital transformation, with growing emphasis on modern learning tools.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"52\"\/> Key developments include:<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"54\"\/> <\/p>\n<div class=\"cdatainfo   id-r-component \" data-pos=\"56\">\n<ul>\n<li> Expansion of smart classrooms and digital boards <\/li>\n<li> Use of AI-based learning tools and platforms <\/li>\n<li> Increased access to online educational content <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p> However, the pace of change has not been uniform.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"59\"\/> While some schools are moving towards advanced learning systems, others continue to struggle with basic infrastructure requirements. This has created a dual reality modern classrooms on one side, and schools lacking essential facilities on the other.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"61\"\/> Experts point out that technology can enhance learning, but its impact remains limited if basic conditions such as hygiene, safety and access are not consistently met.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"64\"\/> <\/p>\n<p><h2>District divide remains sharp<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"68\"\/> A closer look at district-wise data highlights persistent regional disparities.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"70\"\/> Districts such as Beed, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani and Gadchiroli continue to face infrastructure challenges, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"72\"\/> <\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Modern learning vs missing school toilets divide (AI image used for representational purpose only)\" msid=\"130231183\" width=\"\" title=\"Modern learning vs missing school toilets divide (AI image used for representational purpose only)\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-130231183\/modern-learning-vs-missing-school-toilets-divide-ai-image-used-for-representational-purpose-only.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Modern learning vs missing school toilets divide (AI image used for representational purpose only)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"75\"\/> In several schools across these regions, issues extend beyond sanitation:<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"77\"\/> <\/p>\n<div class=\"cdatainfo   id-r-component \" data-pos=\"79\">\n<ul>\n<li> Irregular electricity supply <\/li>\n<li> Limited digital infrastructure <\/li>\n<li> Inadequate classroom maintenance <\/li>\n<li> Lack of supporting campus facilities <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p> Such gaps affect both day-to-day functioning and long-term learning outcomes.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"81\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Safety gaps add to concerns<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"85\"\/> Beyond sanitation, school safety infrastructure remains another concern.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"88\"\/> Nearly 5% of schools do not have protective boundary walls, exposing campuses to multiple risks:<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"90\"\/> <\/p>\n<div class=\"cdatainfo   id-r-component \" data-pos=\"92\">\n<ul>\n<li> Unrestricted access to school premises <\/li>\n<li> Entry of stray animals into campus areas <\/li>\n<li> Safety concerns during school hours <\/li>\n<li> Lack of controlled entry and exit points <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p> In rural and remote locations, these risks become more pronounced, influencing parental decisions particularly for girls.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"94\"\/> <\/p>\n<p><h2>Why gaps persist despite interventions<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"98\"\/> Despite multiple programmes aimed at improving school infrastructure, several challenges continue to slow progress:<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"100\"\/> <\/p>\n<div class=\"cdatainfo   id-r-component \" data-pos=\"102\">\n<ul>\n<li> Delays in construction and project completion <\/li>\n<li> Lack of regular maintenance after installation <\/li>\n<li> Uneven monitoring across districts <\/li>\n<li> Infrastructure existing on paper but not fully functional <\/li>\n<li> Resource constraints in remote and rural areas <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p> In many cases, toilets may exist but remain unusable due to poor upkeep or lack of water, reducing their practical value.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"105\"\/> <\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\u200bUnfinished school toilet construction site (AI image used for representational purpose only)\" msid=\"130231213\" width=\"\" title=\"Unfinished school toilet construction site (AI image used for representational purpose only)\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-130231213\/unfinished-school-toilet-construction-site-ai-image-used-for-representational-purpose-only.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Unfinished school toilet construction site (AI image used for representational purpose only)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"108\"\/><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"110\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>The rural-urban imbalance<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"112\"\/> The gap between rural and urban schools remains a persistent issue.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"114\"\/> <span class=\"strong\" data-ua-type=\"1\" onclick=\"stpPgtnAndPrvntDefault(event)\">Urban schools typically benefit from:<\/span><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"117\"\/> <\/p>\n<div class=\"cdatainfo   id-r-component \" data-pos=\"119\">\n<ul>\n<li> Better infrastructure and resources <\/li>\n<li> Faster implementation of upgrades <\/li>\n<li> More consistent maintenance <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p> <span class=\"strong\" data-ua-type=\"1\" onclick=\"stpPgtnAndPrvntDefault(event)\">Rural schools often face:<\/span><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"122\"\/> <\/p>\n<div class=\"cdatainfo   id-r-component \" data-pos=\"124\">\n<ul>\n<li> Delays in infrastructure development <\/li>\n<li> Limited access to basic resources <\/li>\n<li> Inconsistent maintenance and support <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p> This imbalance continues to shape both infrastructure quality and educational outcomes.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"126\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Beyond numbers, a daily reality<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"129\"\/> While the figure of 890 schools highlights the scale of the issue, its impact is felt in everyday school life.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"131\"\/> For students, especially adolescent girls, the absence of proper sanitation affects:<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"133\"\/> <\/p>\n<div class=\"cdatainfo   id-r-component \" data-pos=\"136\">\n<ul>\n<li> Daily decisions on attending school <\/li>\n<li> Comfort during school hours <\/li>\n<li> Participation in extended schedules <\/li>\n<li> Confidence in continuing education <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p> Teachers note that such infrastructure gaps directly influence attendance patterns and classroom engagement.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"138\"\/> <\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\u200bLong walk to school for rural girls (AI image used for representational purpose only)\" msid=\"130231247\" width=\"\" title=\"Long walk to school for rural girls (AI image used for representational purpose only)\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" imgsize=\"\" resizemode=\"4\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-130231247\/long-walk-to-school-for-rural-girls-ai-image-used-for-representational-purpose-only.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Long walk to school for rural girls (AI image used for representational purpose only)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"141\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h3>Focus shifts to core infrastructure<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"143\"\/> As Maharashtra continues to invest in digital education, attention is increasingly shifting towards strengthening foundational infrastructure.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"145\"\/> Key priorities include:<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"147\"\/> <\/p>\n<div class=\"cdatainfo   id-r-component \" data-pos=\"149\">\n<ul>\n<li> Functional and well-maintained toilets <\/li>\n<li> Proper boundary walls for safety <\/li>\n<li> Reliable electricity supply <\/li>\n<li> Improved campus maintenance <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"150\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2 style=\"margin: 0px 0px 0.7em; line-height: 1.3; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 24px; background: 0px 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;\">A contradiction that persists<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"152\"\/>The data underlines a continuing challenge ensuring that modernisation in education is matched by improvements in essential infrastructure.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"154\"\/>Until then, the contrast between advancing classrooms and missing basics is likely to remain one of the most visible contradictions in Maharashtra\u2019s education system.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"156\"\/><\/div>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/city\/mumbai\/how-are-890-schools-still-running-without-girls-toilets-in-maharashtra\/articleshow\/130226219.cms\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Basic facilities missing as 890 schools lack girls\u2019 toilets in Maharashtra (AI image used for&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11527,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[28127,28125,28128,7477,710,709,711,712,28130,28129,28126,713],"class_list":["post-11526","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-beed","tag-gadchiroli","tag-hingoli","tag-maharashtra","tag-mumbai-latest-news","tag-mumbai-news","tag-mumbai-news-live","tag-mumbai-news-today","tag-nanded","tag-parbhani","tag-sindhudurg","tag-today-news-mumbai"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/d.sheep-mine.ts.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11526","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/d.sheep-mine.ts.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/d.sheep-mine.ts.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/d.sheep-mine.ts.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/d.sheep-mine.ts.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11526"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/d.sheep-mine.ts.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11526\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/d.sheep-mine.ts.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11527"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/d.sheep-mine.ts.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11526"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/d.sheep-mine.ts.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11526"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/d.sheep-mine.ts.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11526"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}