Infrastructure Deficit in Indian Schools Government Report Highlights Key Gaps
India’s educational system, with over 14.71 lakh schools across the country, faces a massive infrastructure gap, severely affecting students’ learning experiences. A recent government report, compiled by the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+) under the Ministry of Education, exposes the concerning inadequacies in essential school facilities.
The UDISE+ data reveals that of the total 14.71 lakh schools, approximately 1.52 lakh lack functional electricity. While government-run schools are slightly better off, with 9.12 lakh out of 10.17 lakh having access to electricity, the remaining 1.52 lakh schools struggle without it. This lack of power hampers not just the comfort of the students but also the adoption of modern educational tools that rely on electricity, such as computers and projectors. Additionally, while 14.47 lakh schools provide drinking water facilities, only 14.11 lakh have functional water systems, leaving 36,000 schools with unreliable access to clean water. For government schools, 9.78 lakh of the 10.17 lakh schools have functional water facilities, but the remaining 39,000 face a crisis in water accessibility. The situation is even more critical when it comes to sanitation. While 14.50 lakh schools offer toilet facilities, 67,000 schools are operating without functional toilets, most of which are government-run schools. This poses a significant health risk for students, particularly in rural areas where sanitation infrastructure is already fragile.
For students with disabilities, the situation is worse. Despite a legal mandate for inclusive education, only 33.2% of government schools—around 3.37 lakh out of 10.17 lakh—have disabled-friendly toilets, and only a fraction of them are functional. The number of schools with accessible ramps or rails is also alarmingly low, with only 77% of schools having ramps, and just 52.3% equipped with ramps with handrails. The lack of accessible infrastructure is a serious concern, as it restricts opportunities for children with disabilities to receive an equal education. These gaps not only violate students’ rights but also underline the need for targeted investments in making schools more inclusive and accessible to all learners. One of the most glaring issues highlighted in the report is the poor digital infrastructure in schools. While 50% of schools report having computers for teaching and learning, a large proportion of government schools lag behind. Only 43.5% of government-run schools have functional computers for educational use, compared to a much higher 70.9% of private unaided schools. Access to the internet is also far from universal, with only 7.92 lakh schools having internet access. Digital resources, which are essential for modern education, remain out of reach for a significant portion of the student population, further hindering their ability to compete in an increasingly digital world.
The uptake of solar energy solutions in schools is low, with just 10.5% of schools, or around 1.54 lakh, equipped with solar panels. Government schools are particularly underrepresented, with only 8.8% having solar installations. Solar power could play a critical role in providing sustainable electricity in schools, especially in rural areas. Moreover, only 17.5% of all schools offer co-curricular activity rooms, such as arts and crafts spaces, and this number is significantly lower in government schools, which reflects the limited scope for holistic education in these institutions. This shortage of extracurricular facilities limits students’ all-around development and deprives them of creative outlets. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the education sector, focusing on upgrading basic infrastructure. With reliable electricity, clean water, functional toilets, and digital tools, schools can provide an environment that fosters quality education. Bridging the infrastructure gap will not only improve learning outcomes but also ensure that all students, regardless of their background, can thrive. For communities, these improvements are crucial. They have the potential to significantly improve the quality of education, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The government must act swiftly to address these issues and provide equitable education to all children across the nation. Investing in school infrastructure is an investment in the future, ensuring that the next generation of students is prepared to face the challenges of the modern world. India’s schools, particularly government-run institutions, are grappling with a serious infrastructure deficit that undermines the quality of education. While there are efforts to improve the situation, much more needs to be done. The government must focus on providing basic facilities, modern teaching tools, and inclusive infrastructure, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive environment.
