NEW DELHI — A UNICEF report released on 28 September 2026 found that 5 crore Indian children still lack access to basic sanitation services in their schools. The study, part of the organisation’s annual global assessment, highlights that more than 50 million pupils in the country do not have toilets, hand‑washing stations or clean water at their schools.
Widespread Gap in School Hygiene
The report notes that sanitation infrastructure is uneven across the country. While some states have made progress in installing toilets and hand‑washing facilities, large swaths of the north and central regions still lag behind. The lack of basic facilities is linked to higher absenteeism, especially among girls, and to increased rates of diarrhoeal disease among students.
Government Commitments and Funding
In 2024, the Ministry of Education issued guidelines that set minimum standards for school sanitation, including the provision of separate toilets for boys and girls, hand‑washing stations with soap, and a reliable water supply. The guidelines also called for a phased rollout of sanitation infrastructure, with priority given to schools in rural and underserved areas.
According to the Ministry, a budget of ₹12,000 crore was earmarked for sanitation projects in the 2025‑26 fiscal year. The funding is to be distributed through a mix of central and state allocations, with states required to match a portion of the central grant. However, the UNICEF study indicates that the pace of implementation has been slower than projected.
Regional Disparities Highlighted
The report identifies the northern states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar as having the highest number of schools without toilets. In contrast, states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu have reported near‑complete coverage, with most schools meeting the sanitation standards set by the Ministry.
International Comparison
UNICEF’s assessment also compares India’s sanitation coverage with that of other large developing countries. Nigeria, for example, was cited as the second country with the highest number of children lacking school sanitation, with 3 crore pupils affected. The comparison underscores that India’s challenge is not unique, but its scale is unprecedented.
Impact on Health and Education Outcomes
Health experts point out that inadequate sanitation in schools contributes to the spread of communicable diseases. The study cites data from the National Health Mission showing a 15 percent higher incidence of diarrhoeal illness among students in schools without toilets. The lack of facilities also disproportionately affects girls, who often miss school during menstruation due to the absence of private, hygienic spaces.
Policy Response and Next Steps
The Ministry of Education released a statement on 29 September 2026 acknowledging the findings and reaffirming its commitment to improving sanitation infrastructure. The statement said that the government would review the implementation of the 2024 guidelines and accelerate funding for schools that remain non‑compliant.
In addition, the Ministry announced a new “School Sanitation Accelerator” programme, which will provide an additional ₹3,000 crore over the next two years to fast‑track construction of toilets and hand‑washing facilities in the most underserved districts. The programme will also include a monitoring framework to track progress at the district level.
Call for Greater Accountability
Advocacy groups have urged the government to publish a detailed audit of sanitation projects and to involve local communities in monitoring. The report’s findings have prompted calls for greater transparency in the allocation and use of sanitation funds.
