Indore bench issues notices to Centre and state government over PIL highlighting infrastructure deficit, shortage of teachers and alleged misuse of funds; next hearing on August 17

The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken a strict view of the state's ailing education system, issuing notices to the central and state governments on a public interest litigation (PIL) that highlights severe deficiencies in government schools across the state.

The division bench of Justice Subodh Abhyankar and Justice Alok Awasthi, hearing the matter on Wednesday, directed both governments to file their responses by August 17.

The PIL was filed by social worker and advocate B.L. Jain from Sendhwa. Advocate Abhishek Tuganawat, appearing for the petitioner, informed the court that the state's education system is in a deep crisis, with millions of students being denied even the basic facilities guaranteed under the Constitution and the Right to Education Act.

According to the petition, out of the sanctioned 2.89 lakh teaching posts in the state, 1.15 lakh positions remain vacant — nearly 40 per cent of the total sanctioned strength. The situation is so dire that 1,895 schools in the state do not have a single teacher posted.

Citing the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report for 2025, the petition stated that out of 83,514 schools in the state, approximately 5,000 have dilapidated and unsafe buildings. Around 3,400 schools lack toilet facilities, while nearly 10,000 schools do not have electricity. Boundary walls are missing in 40,000 schools, and thousands of schools do not have access to clean drinking water. Several schools continue to operate in makeshift huts.

The petition further pointed out that more than 59,000 schools in the state do not have computer facilities, even as the government talks about digital education. Over the past decade, the number of students from Class 1 to Class 12 in government schools has declined by more than 22 lakh, even as the state's population has grown — a clear indicator of the declining trust in the government education system.

The petitioner also brought to the court's attention that the Supreme Court, in January 2026, had directed all government and private schools to ensure separate toilets for boys and girls and provide free sanitary pads for girl students. Despite these directives, many schools are yet to comply.

The PIL also raised the issue of alleged misuse of government funds, claiming that adequate expenditure is not being made on basic necessities like education and health, while large amounts are being spent on other heads. Corruption in construction and repair works was also flagged.

The court has sought responses from both governments by August 17, when the matter will be heard next.