Former chairman of AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies MN Karn at the seminar in Patna on Monday. Picture by Jai Prakash

A recent survey by Bihar Lok Adhikar Manch, in association with non-government organisation Child Rights and You (CRY), has projected poor condition of school infrastructure in the state.

The findings and recommendations of the survey, conducted among 210 schools in 21 districts in April and May this year, were presented at a seminar on the implementation of Right to Education Act, 2009, at Gandhi Sangrahalaya on Monday.

The seminar was organised by Bihar Lok Adhikar Manch.

The findings revealed that apart from lack of qualified teachers, the schools have poor infrastructure. Of the total teachers, 37.32 per cent are trained, 21.41 per cent are regular and the rest are on contract. Of the 210 schools, 28 schools have a single teacher, 39 per cent schools have staff rooms, 14.76 per cent schools have store rooms and 42.38 per cent schools have kitchen to prepare the midday meal, 61 per cent schools have access to safe drinking water and 34.76 per cent have toilet facilities.

The schools in Nawada, Munger, Rohtas, Vaishali, Arwal and Banka districts have a single teacher, the report states.

It also stated that there has been an increase in the dropout rate.

There has been a decline of 22.3 per cent in the number of schoolchildren enrolled in Class V compared to those admitted in Class I. Similarly, there has been a decline of 21.7 per cent in the number of girls enrolled in Class V in compared to Class I.

Commenting on the findings of the report, former MP Ramjee Singh said the report should be discussed in the Assembly.