0.1% Kumbh Budget Could Save 125 Schools? Justice PB Varale Raises Big Question on Education!

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of 'smart classes' at a high school in Maharashtra's Dhule district, Supreme Court judge Justice Prasanna B Varale opined that 0.1% of the Kumbh Mela Budget could have saved 125 Schools.

Justice Varale said that the government allocates Rs 32,000 to 34,000 crore for the Kumbh Mela and Rs 11,000 crore for corridors. He felt that even 0.1% of this budget which translates to Rs 32 crore was available, then 100 to 125 schools in Maharashtra could have been saved from being shut down.

In the interview with NDTV, he said, "I have expressed what I truly feel in my heart. Children are the future of the country... Essential facilities must be provided for children in schools. Primary education and healthcare are fundamental rights of every citizen.”

He mentioned that his schooling up to the 10th grade was in municipal and Zilla Parishad Marathi-medium schools. He also felt that studying in the regional language was not a hinderance in his career but rather had broadened his perspective.

Expressing concern, Justice Varale said that despite the growing student population, the budget for education has consistently shrunk rather than increasing and has failed to reach even 13 per cent mark in so many years.

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The judge's comments come against the backdrop of the Cockroach Janta Party's 'School Thik Karo' campaign. It has drawn attention to the state of government schools in the country. The group has encouraged audits of government schools which have reveals hundreds in poor conditions -- schools without teachers, furniture, even buildings.