Kendrapada, 23rd Aug 2025: In April, “Khadi Chhuan” and the School Admission Festival were celebrated. It had been announced that by July 15, all upper primary school students would receive two sets of uniforms. However, even though almost four months have passed since the start of the academic year, uniforms have not yet been distributed in Kendrapada district.
The reason cited is the non-receipt of approval letters from several blocks. Except for Garadpur and Rajkanika blocks, approval letters from the remaining seven blocks are still pending, delaying the process.
According to available information, nearly 3,200 schools under the School & Mass Education Department and other departments in Kendrapada are included in the Free Uniform Scheme. The district has 356 high schools in total—196 government, 107 block grant, 34 aided, 18 Sanskrit vidyapiths, and 1 madrasa. In addition, there are 1,718 primary and upper primary schools, besides independent and Sevashram schools.
Earlier, only students of Classes I–VIII were provided ₹600 per year for uniforms and accessories, which covered two sets of dress, shoes, and socks. Later, Classes IX and X students were also included, and the assistance was increased to Rs1,000 per child. Now, additional items like T-shirts and track pants for Saturday, along with caps and identity cards for Classes I–VIII students, are also being provided.
As per guidelines, ₹500 worth of uniforms were to be supplied to Classes I–VIII students by July 15 this year. Out of the assistance, ₹600 comes from the central fund and ₹400 from the state fund, directly transferred to the school account.
To implement this, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can apply at the block level. A five-member committee under the chairmanship of the BDO and coordination of the BEO decides which SHG/MSME will supply to which school. Only after district-level committee approval is the supplier permitted to provide uniforms.
Break-up of costs:
- Rs500 – Two sets of uniform
- Rs200 – Shoes and two pairs of socks
- Rs125 – T-shirt & track pants
- Rs30 – Cap
- Rs20 – Identity card
However, there have been allegations of corruption. Schools are reportedly asked to pay ₹50–100 per student as bribe to get uniforms and accessories supplied. In some cases, headmasters have rejected substandard uniforms supplied by SHGs. There are also complaints that while SHGs apply formally, actual supply is being managed by old uniform shopkeepers under their name.
So far, no reaction has been received from District Education Officer Pavitra Mohan Barik on the issue.