An Analytical Study of Sanitation Challenges in Government Schools and the Role of Stakeholders in Ensuring Sustainable Hygiene Management

The present study examined sanitation-related challenges in selected government schools of Karauli district, Rajasthan, and analysed the role of stakeholders in ensuring sustainable hygiene management. The study focused on identifying existing sanitation conditions, major sanitation-related issues, and the contribution of school heads, teachers, students, parents, and community members toward sanitation improvement. The descriptive survey method was adopted for conducting the study. A self-developed questionnaire based on a three-point scale was used for data collection. The sample consisted of 105 respondents, including 15 school heads, 30 teachers, 30 students, and 30 parents selected purposively from fifteen government schools. Percentage analysis was used for the interpretation of data. The findings revealed that overall sanitation conditions in the selected schools were generally satisfactory. Positive responses were observed regarding classroom cleanliness, drinking water facilities, and sanitation awareness among students. However, challenges such as a shortage of sanitation staff, inadequate maintenance of toilets, a lack of dedicated sanitation budgets, and limited parental participation were identified in some schools. The study further revealed that active leadership by school heads, teacher participation, and student involvement significantly contributed to sanitation improvement. Sustainable sanitation management requires coordinated participation from all stakeholders. The study provides educational, practical, and policy-oriented suggestions for strengthening sanitation systems and promoting healthy school environments in government schools.