Karnataka Education Department Orders Inquiry into Substandard Shoes and Socks Supplied to Government School Students

The Karnataka Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) has ordered an urgent inquiry into complaints regarding the supply of poor-quality footwear to children studying in Classes 1 to 10 in government schools across the state. Under the government's flagship Vidyavikas Scheme for the 2026-27 academic session, each student was designated to receive one pair of shoes and two pairs of socks. However, widespread public discontent surfaced following reports that the supplied shoes tore or lost their soles within days of use, alongside issues related to mismatched sizing and defective fabric in socks. Taking serious note of media reports and complaints from parents, the DSEL directed the Commissioner of School Education to initiate an independent verification process. Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Zilla Panchayats have been tasked with forming two-to-three-member inspection teams comprising officials from non-education departments with relevant technical expertise. These teams are mandated to conduct field checks in schools across all districts within seven days and submit detailed inspection findings. Simultaneously, the Karnataka Upa Lokayukta registered a suo motu case to investigate potential corruption, tender compliance violations, and supplier credentials. The state government emphasized that strict penal action will be initiated against non-compliant vendors if independent testing confirms quality compromises.

To know more, visit AI Pragati (www.aipragati.in).