(GIST OF YOJANA) WASH IN SCHOOLS AND ANGANWADIS

GIST OF YOJANA : WASH IN SCHOOLS AND ANGANWADIS

SEPTEMBER-2025

WASH IN SCHOOLS AND ANGANWADIS

Context:

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in schools and Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) is a cornerstone for safeguarding children’s health, dignity, and right to quality education. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)—the Government of India has prioritised universal access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene education in educational institutions. The Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L), in collaboration with the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), and various State/UT governments, continues to spearhead this transformative agenda.

Importance of WASH: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in schools and Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) is essential for:

Safeguarding children’s health and dignity.
Promoting gender equality and reducing absenteeism.
Enabling quality education and better learning outcomes.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes WASH as part of holistic education.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 4: Quality Education.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Institutional Convergence:

Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L).
Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS).
Ministry of Women and Child-development (MoWCD).
State/UT governments.

Swachhata Action Plan (SAP)

Samagra Shiksha Scheme (2018–19 onwards):
Strengthens government schools with NEP 2020 alignment.
Annual Work Plan & Budget (AWP&B) prepared by States/UTs and approved by the Project Approval Board (PAB).

Budget Provisions:

Separate Budget Head for Swachhata Action Plan (SAP).
Composite School Grant up to ₹1,00,000 per annum, depending on student numbers.

At least 10% earmarked for WASH activities:

Toilet maintenance.
Drinking water provision.
Sanitation and hygiene upkeep.

Behavioural Change and Community Engagement

Centrality of Behavioural Change: Lasting WASH impact requires awareness and practices, not just infrastructure.

Key Initiatives:

Swachh Vidyalaya & SAP Funding –support for handwashing, menstrual hygiene, and toilet use.
Swachhata Pakhwada 2024 (1–15 Sept): Participation of 7.06 lakh schools and 7.43 crore students.

Swachh Bharat Diwas (2 Oct):

Celebrates Jan Andolan for Swachhata.
Preceded by Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 (17 Sept–2 Oct).
Theme: “Swabhav Swachhata –Sanskaar Swachhata.”
Over 35,500 events, 2.99 lakh schools, and 2.89 crore students took part.

Modes of Engagement:

Mass handwashing demonstrations.
Clean school drives, competitions, poster contests.
Awareness rallies and pledge-taking.

Community Involvement:

School Management Committees (SMCs) and Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs) mobilised for participation and ownership.

Gender and Inclusive WASH Infrastructure

Gender-Sensitive Facilities:
Separate toilets for girls.
Provision of sanitary products.
Safe disposal mechanisms to reduce absenteeism of adolescent girls.
Inclusion of Children with Special Needs (CWSN):
Infrastructure adaptations include ramps, handrails, and accessible toilets.
Focus on an equitable learning environment.

Source Sustainability and Climate Resilience

Role of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) & AMRUT 2.0:

Promote sustainable water sources and environmental resilience.
Interventions in Schools:
Rainwater harvesting structures.
Rooftop water collection systems.
Greywater reuse through soak pits.
School-based kitchen gardens linking water conservation with nutrition and environment education.

Government Communication:

Joint letters to States/UTs urging integration of sustainability and climate smart practices in school WASH.

Technological and Institutional Innovation: Digital Tracking Tools

Dashboards, mobile apps, and geotagging for real-time monitoring of WASH facilities.

Key Systems:

UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education): Collects nationwide data on WASH in schools.
PRABANDH Portal: Tracks planning, budgeting, and progress monitoring.
Impact: Improves transparency, data-driven decision-making, and accountability.

Way Forward:

To accelerate progress towards universal and sustainable WASH in schools and AWCs, this department has adopted a saturation approach to ensure the provision of safe water, essential hygiene, and sanitation facilities in all schools, in alignment with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.States and UTs have been advised to prioritise the universal availability of separate toilets for girls, clean and safe drinking water through tap connections, and continuous running water in toilets. Furthermore, all stakeholders have been urged to ensure the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems and sustained access to potable water in schools to promote a safe and healthy learning environment for all students.

Conclusion:

WASH in schools and Anganwadis is more than a matter of infrastructure—it is an enabler of educational outcomes, gender equality, child health, and social equity. The Department of School Education & Literacy, in close coordination with the Departments of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, and all States and Union Territories, is leading this convergence agenda with purpose and resolve.