Video of students cleaning toilet in govt. school in Sivaganga invites public’s outrage

A controversy erupted after a video surfaced online showing students cleaning a toilet at a government school near Singampunari.

Officials from School Education Department have launched an investigation into the matter.

Mallakkottai Panchayat Union Primary School, located near Singampunari in Sivaganga district, has an enrollment of 33 students and a staff of two teachers. A sanitation worker has been reportedly appointed to clean the school toilets, receiving a monthly salary of ₹1,000 along with ₹500 for cleaning supplies.

The issue came to light when a video of students cleaning the toilet went viral on social media. Following this, an inquiry was conducted Monday by a team of officials led by Devakottai District Educational Officer (Primary Education) Senthilkumaran.

When questioned about the incident, School Education Department officials said, snakes were reportedly spotted frequently in the toilet currently used by the students. Consequently, that facility was closed, and on February 9, the sanitation worker began cleaning an old, unused toilet to make it ready for use.

Students, who came out during a break, reportedly assisted the sanitation worker, they added.

Officials further clarified that since the toilet was not in use, the students were mainly clearing away accumulated leaves and debris.

During the inquiry, the students stated that they helped of their own volition.

However, the officials stated that they have strictly warned the teachers that students must never be permitted to clean toilets under any circumstances.