No playgrounds in almost half of govt schools in State

'There is land for SEZs but no space for students to play'

As much as nearly half of the 44,672 government primary schools in the State do not have any playgrounds, according to the latest DISE (District Information System for Education) report for Karnataka.

Nonetheless, there is a marginal increase in the number of government schools having playgrounds. In 2012-13, 56 per cent of all government schools in Karnataka had playgrounds, up from the 54 per cent in 2011-12.

While schools fared comparatively well in other infrastructural indicators such as the availability of toilets for boys and girls, electricity, drinking water, etc, the lack of playgrounds seems to be the main hurdle for schools to reach a cent per cent composite index — a set of criteria of basic facilities in schools laid down by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

In fact, the DISE report candidly admits that achieving of these criteria especially in urban areas is a “pious dream”.

One of the rules under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 was for every school to have a playground, but a circular by MHRD in December last relaxed the norm, by allowing schools with no playgrounds to use municipal parks/ adjoining playgrounds for outdoor learning.

“If the government can buy land for SEZs (Special Economic Zones), why can’t it provide playgrounds for schools? Huge swathes seem to be available for land grabbers.

It is not difficult to find playgrounds. But there is no political will. Proper planning is required to ensure all-round development of children,” said Niranjan Aradhya, a fellow at the Centre for Child and the Law, National Law School of India University (NLSIU).

High schools, however, appear to be better equipped. As many as 77 per cent of the 4,442 of high schools have playgrounds. The figure was 75 per cent, 74 per cent  and 73 per cent in 2011-12. 2010-11 and 2010-9, respectively.

Few ramps for disabled

The DISE report also shows that just 40 per cent of high schools have facilities for ramps for the disabled.

Considering that the State government aims to integrate disabled schoolchildren into the mainstream education, these numbers clearly reflect an apathetic attitude.
Experts lament that the provision of ramps — the most basic facility required for children with special needs — has not been adequately provided.

“Children with disabilities still face discrimination in the regular school system. The Department of Public Instruction thinks its duty ends with constructing a ramp. But there are several other requirements,” said D Ravi of the Disability Right Forum. “I am not at all happy with the way things are at present. A serious re-look is certainly needed.”

In 2009-10, just 17 per cent schools had ramps. The number rose to 24 per cent in 2010-11 and 38 per cent in 2011-12.