Govt school students await uniforms

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Malout, December 10

Winter has set in but the students of Classes I to VIII in government schools are still awaiting their uniforms. As a result, they are either going to the school, braving the cold in normal clothes, or wearing short and torn but colourful sweaters. Reason: The Education Department has not yet released funds for the purchase of uniforms.

The uniforms were notably distributed last year in November and December. This year, funds for the uniforms have been increased from Rs 400 to Rs 600 under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme of the Central Government. Further, it has been decided to transfer the money into the bank accounts of the students, rather than asking the school management committees to purchase and distribute uniforms among the students.

During a visit to some government schools today, it was found that a number of students were not wearing their sweater. When asked, most of them said their parents were awaiting the free uniform provided each year by the Education Department.

Some school heads and teachers said funds were yet to arrive. “We are told that the money will come into the bank accounts of the students. In such a situation, we are asking the philanthropists to donate some winter clothes for the needy students. The quality of uniforms purchased with Rs 400 last year was much below the standard. It either got torn or became out of size as the kids have grown up and now does not fit them.”

It may be mentioned that for the uniform, boys are given a shirt, trouser, socks, shoes, cap/turban and sweater. Similarly, the girls get a salwar, shirt (kameez), socks, shoes, dupatta and sweater.

Harry Bathla, president, Elementary Teachers’ Union, Muktsar, said, “The government has increased the money to Rs 600 for each uniform, but we demand a minimum of Rs 1,000 to buy quality products. Further, the funds should be released immediately. Even the students of pre-primary classes should be given free uniforms. We don’t even get funds for mid-day meal for the students of pre-primary classes.”

Malkit Singh, District Education Officer (DEO), Muktsar, said, “Under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme, the allocation for uniforms has been enhanced from Rs 400 to Rs 600 per child per annum. It will soon come into the bank accounts of the students from classes I to VIII.”