Malingaraya Pujar
CH NEWS
Three months after government schools reopened, thousands of poor students in Gadag district are still waiting for free shoes and socks promised by the state. The delay has upset children, parents and the public, especially as the rainy season is nearing its end. Many students are reportedly attending classes barefoot or in damaged slippers, making a basic school need an ongoing source of frustration.
The scheme was planned to provide one pair of shoes and two pairs of socks free to lakhs of students during the academic year. However, technical procedures, government approvals and delays in releasing funds have slowed the programme. Officials are also working on a new system under which the footwear will be purchased through a centralized state-level tender, rather than through individual schools and School Development and Monitoring Committees, as happened earlier.
Authorities say the centralized tender is intended to improve transparency, prevent corruption and save public money. The Education Department has also proposed better quality footwear suited to local weather. Instead of supplying only shoes, it may provide slippers or sandals where the climate demands them. Officials believe this could help children during wet weather and reduce discomfort caused by damp conditions. Yet rules and approvals have delayed the process further.
The government has fixed a maximum amount for each student. For Classes 1 to 5, the limit is ₹265 per child, while Classes 6 to 8 have a limit of ₹295. For Classes 9 and 10, the maximum is ₹325. Gadag district has 850 government and aided schools, with 120,443 students covered by the scheme. All are waiting for footwear as the procurement process continues.
Parents say the delay has become an annual problem and question why the tender was not completed before schools reopened. They recall that local purchases earlier allowed schools to provide footwear in June. They also fear that children suffer when they attend school in wet conditions without proper footwear. Parents are now urging the government to complete the tender quickly and distribute the items without further delay.
“The government needs to put aside technical excuses and take responsibility for completing the tender process on a war footing and delivering shoes/slippers to poor students.” Gangappa, parent of school student