Agartala, 6th May 2026: The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has raised serious concerns over poor sanitation, hygiene, and infrastructure in two government higher secondary schools in Agartala, after reviewing field reports prepared by interns from the Tripura Government Law College.
According to an order issued by THRC Chairperson Justice Arindam Lodh, the law interns conducted inspections at Prachya Bharati Higher Secondary School and Bijoy Kumar Girls’ Higher Secondary School between April 18 and April 21 as part of their internship programme with the Commission.
The reports, along with later presentations, revealed conditions that the Commission believes may violate students’ human rights. THRC noted that both schools are struggling with severe financial limitations, which are affecting even basic upkeep such as cleanliness and hygiene. In one case, it was highlighted that teachers themselves were reportedly contributing money to maintain sanitation due to insufficient government funding. The institutions, particularly grant-in-aid schools, were found to receive only minimal contingency support beyond staff salaries.
The Commission also considered inputs from the Directorate of Secondary Education, which admitted that limited budget allocations are restricting infrastructure development and welfare measures in schools.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Jaya Thakur vs Union of India and Others (January 30, 2026), THRC reiterated that under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, schools are required to ensure proper sanitation, menstrual hygiene management, and awareness programmes.
Finding the issues to be systemic, the Commission held that a prima facie case of violation of students’ rights exists and formally took cognizance of the matter.
Copies of the order, along with related reports and legal references, have been sent to the Chief Secretary of Tripura, the Education Secretary, and the Directors of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Commission has urged authorities to take urgent corrective measures across all schools in the state—government, aided, and private—to ensure compliance with Supreme Court directions.
Key priorities include functional sanitation facilities, menstrual hygiene systems, separate toilets for students, access to safe drinking water, and overall infrastructure upgrades to protect students’ dignity and right to education.
The Commission has also directed officials to submit an Action Taken Report within three months, and scheduled the next hearing for August 5 before the Chairperson of the THRC.
