High Court questions state’s failing school education:Demands response over teacher shortage, missing toilets, electricity and unsafe school buildings

The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notices to the Centre and the Madhya Pradesh government over severe shortages of teachers and basic infrastructure in government schools across the state. Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Wednesday, a division bench comprising Justice Subodh Abhyankar and Justice Alok Awasthi directed both governments to file their responses by August 17. The PIL was filed by Sendhwa-based social activist and advocate B.L. Jain. Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Abhishek Tuganawat argued that the state’s education system was facing a serious crisis, depriving lakhs of students of basic facilities guaranteed under the Constitution and the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Around 40% teacher posts vacant During the hearing, the court was informed that out of 289,000 sanctioned teaching posts in Madhya Pradesh, nearly 115,000 remain vacant—leaving about 40% of positions unfilled. The petition also stated that 1,895 government schools currently have no teachers at all. Thousands of schools lack basic facilities Citing the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) 2025 report, the petition alleged widespread deficiencies in school infrastructure. According to the petition: Digital infrastructure also lacking The petition further claimed that despite the emphasis on digital education, more than 59,000 schools in Madhya Pradesh do not have computers. It also pointed out that enrolment in government schools from Classes 1 to 12 has declined by more than 2.2 million students over the past decade, despite an increase in the state’s population. The petitioner argued that this reflects declining public confidence in the government education system. Supreme Court directions yet to be implemented The petitioner informed the High Court that in January 2026, the Supreme Court had directed all government and private schools to provide separate toilets for boys and girls and ensure free sanitary pads for girl students. However, the petition alleged that many schools have yet to comply with these directions. Allegations of misuse of public funds The PIL also alleged inadequate spending on essential sectors such as education and healthcare, while significant public funds were being spent elsewhere. It further raised concerns over alleged corruption in school construction and repair works, as well as the misuse of government funds. The petitioner has urged the High Court to safeguard children’s constitutional right to education and direct the authorities to ensure adequate infrastructure and facilities in government schools. The matter is scheduled for further hearing after the Centre and the state government submit their replies by August 17.