7,107 Marathwada ZP School Classrooms In Dilapidated Condition, Campaign Highlights Severe Infrastructure Crisis

In the district of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Marathwada has been plagued by severe infrastructure issues in its Zilla Parishad schools. These problems include leaking roofs, crumbling walls, malfunctioning doors and windows, insufficient toilets, severe water shortages, and a lack of electricity connections. The 'School Theek Karo' campaign, initiated by CJP Janata Party leader Abhijit Deepke in Sanyukta Pimpri, Hingoli district, has brought this grim reality to light.

The campaign's preliminary findings reveal that 7,107 classrooms across Marathwada are in a state of disrepair.

Furthermore, the data shows that 2,141 schools in the region have no electricity, while 3,451 schools do not utilize their installed electrical connections. This leaves many students and teachers without access to a fundamental need. Sanitation facilities are equally concerning, with 3,320 school toilets currently non-functional and 222 schools lacking separate toilets for female students. This raises significant concerns regarding their health, safety, and privacy.

The campaign also discovered that 1,625 schools lack basic seating benches, while 2,196 schools do not have protective boundary walls. Additionally, 1,166 schools do not have playgrounds. The 2024-25 budget proposals have sought funds to demolish the dilapidated classrooms and carry out major repairs. The estimated cost for constructing a single new classroom is approximately ₹12 lakh, meaning replacing 7,107 classrooms would entail a budget of around ₹852.84 crore.