Implementation of cost-effective running water scheme for government primary schools: A case of Mainpuri District (UP)
- Bihar Journal of Public Administration
- 19(2), Jul-Dec, 2022: p.72-84
In view of severity of adverse health conditions among school going children, particularly in UP, caused by waterborne diseases, it becomes an urgent imperative to provide safe running water in the schools. Protecting the children from these diseases is a pre-requisite for achieving the goal of universal education one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The present article attempts to find a midpoint between the UNSDGs’ achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality, and reducing child mortality through implementation of low-cost running water scheme under WASH framework and ensuring creation of necessary physical infrastructure in government primary schools. In view of the acute gender based educational inequality at the school level, competing demands of grassroot development and limited fund availability in Mainpuri district, we have selected the district for our study. Keeping in mind the scope of the problem, “Running water availability” was identified as the significant element in fulfillment of the WASH framework. The qualitative survey methods were used to assess the efficacy of interventions. It finds that nearly cent percent implementation of provision of running water and toilets in all government primary schools across the districts was achieved with the support and participation of panchayat bodies. – Reproduced