Govt to provide free uniforms for over 1cr students

The government has planned to provide uniforms and shoes to approximately 1.07 crore government primary school students across the country in phases, minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said on Thursday.

A pilot programme is being implemented as part of the government’s 180-day agenda to verify the effectiveness and quality of the distribution of standard clothing and footwear among students.

Bobby Hajjaj shared these details during an exchange meeting with representatives of the country’s leading footwear brands at the ministry’s conference room, aimed at facilitating the free distribution of dresses and footwear to government primary school students.

The minister noted that top organisations in the country’s readymade garment (RMG) industry have already responded positively to the initiative. Through their cooperation, more than 4 lakh uniforms have already been secured for the pilot project. The government now expects similar cooperation from the country’s footwear industry.

During the meeting, primary discussions were held regarding the supply of white velcro (laceless) sneakers for Class 1 students. As most students in the first grade are approximately six years old, the minister sought opinions from the footwear companies regarding appropriate sizes, diversity of size, the specific needs of boys and girls, and the total number of units that can be supplied.

Bobby Hajjaj urged the relevant companies to send detailed information to the ministry concerning their potential donation amounts, delivery timelines, and production cost structures. He added that a long-term partnership between the government and the industrial sector would be established for the large-scale supply of shoes in the future.

Furthermore, the minister expressed the government’s intent to present visible progress of the pilot programme to the public by August this year. Specifically, the goal is to begin the implementation of this initiative before the government completes its first six months in office.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and top officials from various footwear companies were also present at the programme.