Schools without toilets not to get fitness certificates

Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant decision, Congress-led UDF government Wednesday said schools that lacked toilet facility would not be issued 'fitness certificate' from next academic year.

Addressing a press conference after a cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said it has been decided to make toilet facility mandatory in schools.

He said till now safety of school buildings were considered for issuing fitness certificates. From next year along with safety, other facilities including toilet would be made mandatory for getting fitness certificate, he said.

"Schools which lacked facilities also would not be allowed to admit new students," Chandy said.

There were 196 government schools that did not have toilet and it has been decided to ensure this facility in next 100 days from the funds under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, he said.

Similarly, 1011 government aided schools were found to have no toilet facility. Managements of these schools have been directed to construct toilets with their own resources by next academic year, he said.