Jaipur: The college education department of Rajasthan has announced that it will only grant No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to colleges that have operational toilets with reliable water supply. The directive comes in compliance with the orders from the high court, emphasising the importance of basic sanitation facilities for educational institutions.A circular issued on Sept 3 by Commissionerate of College Education ordered that all private colleges that have applied or are willing to apply for an NOC from the department must follow the directions of the private institute policy 2021-22. The directions include that institutes must have one toilet per 40 girls, one urinal per 20 girls, one toilet per 80 boys and one urinal per 20 boys. Along with toilet facilities for students, there should be a separate toilet for college staff.The directions add that institutes must ensure that there is a proper drainage system for all toilets, along with proper roofs, doors and latches, and that they are properly cleaned and maintained regularly.All private institutes applying for an NOC will also have to secure water connections, with overhead water tanks and a proper water connection separately for toilets. The institutions must also have drinking water facilities.“In future no college shall be given NOC without having all above facilities,” states the order issued by Nathmal Didel, commissioner college education.Officials added that inspections will be carried out by the department at regular intervals and if any direction is found “not being complied with by the institute, then the NOC will be withdrawn and the institute shall be responsible for all coercive actions.”“Proper toilets and drinking water supply in educational institutes are basic facilities. Students and teachers stay in these institutes for hours, and without proper toilets, they end up drinking less water, which can add to health issues. These facilities will be checked strictly before issuing NOC,” said a senior official.
