UP government to outsource cleaning of district court complexes statewide

The Story in Brief

The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing a model framework to outsource regular cleaning and sanitation work in district court complexes across the state. The move aims to standardise cleanliness in courts and strengthen compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions on sanitation and separate, functional toilet facilities. A proposal was discussed at a meeting chaired by chief secretary SP Goyal, attended by officers from the department of law. The state has already advised courts to engage private agencies where necessary, and private housekeeping firms currently handle sanitation in the high court complexes at Allahabad (Prayagraj) and Lucknow.

The initiative follows the Supreme Court’s 15 January 2025 order directing high courts and state governments to ensure maintenance of toilets and related facilities in all court premises. The government says it is building separate toilets for men, women, persons with disabilities and transgender persons where these do not exist. The apex court has described access to clean sanitation in court complexes as a fundamental right under Article 21 and asked for features such as running water, good lighting, secure locks and sanitary napkin dispensers with disposal bins.

The Indian Opinion

The plan to use a common outsourcing model responds to a clear judicial directive and could help standardise hygiene across busy court complexes. At the same time, the reporting does not provide details on how the framework will ensure accountability, quality control, procurement transparency or protections for contract workers. Ordinary readers might welcome improved facilities but reasonably expect clarity on oversight, funding and maintenance responsibilities before outsourcing is rolled out widely. These questions are not answered in the article and will matter for the policy’s success and for the dignity and safety of people who use court premises.

Original article: UP govt plans framework to outsource cleanliness work in district court complexes across state (Hindustan Times)

This story was summarised and commented on by AI from the source linked above.