Students wash utensils in Jaipur government school in Sanganer

JAIPUR: While chief minister Ashok Gehlot allocated highest budget to the education sector stating education to be the top priority, students can be seen washing utensils in the government schools in Jaipur.
On Wednesday, the TOI reporter visited Government Higher Secondary School, Sanganer, where the students could be seen washing utensils. There were big steel pots and plates near water taps in the school. After the mid-day meal was served, three to five students were involved in washing utensils during school time.
Looking at the reporter clicking photographs, one school staff immediately called the students back. The students who were washing utensils were around 12 years old.
Later, one school staff who did not wish to be named said that the government has removed the cook-cum-help, which has made it difficult for the teachers to cope. “Since 2016, when Akshay Patra started supplying food to government schools, the government removed the cook-cum-helps from the schools. I agree that the food is not prepared at the schools, but we have big utensils where the food is collected from Akshay Patra. Who is supposed to wash them?” said one school teacher.
When TOI contacted district education officer, Ramchand Pilaniya, he said that department will look into the matter. “Government provides funds to schools to hire any person for washing utensils, but if the students are made to wash dishes, we will look into it and required action will be taken,” said Pilaniya.
Teachers however deny any financial assistance from the government. “Government provides Rs 500 for the milk scheme. Who is going to wash utensils in Jaipur city for Rs 500? Whenever we try to hire someone he/she asks for at least Rs 8,000 a month. Government should re-transfer the cook-cum-help in the schools. This is the only solution,” said another school teacher.
As the blame game continues between the teachers and the administration, students are washing utensils during their study hours.