Karnataka Upalokayukta Justice K.N. Phanindra initiated a suo motu preliminary investigation into reports regarding the supply of sub-standard footwear to government school children across 15 districts in the state. Reports emerged from multiple regions alleging that newly distributed school shoes tore or got damaged within minutes or days of being worn by students, raising concerns regarding financial irregularities and procedural negligence in procurement.
Highlighting that basic provisions for school students fall under the Right to Education guaranteed under Article 21A of the Constitution, Justice Phanindra ordered Lokayukta Superintendents of Police in the affected districts to scrutinize procurement records and evaluate footwear quality. Suo motu complaints have been registered against Deputy Directors of the School Education Department (DDPIs) and Block Education Officers (BEOs) in 15 districts under the Upalokayukta's jurisdiction. The investigating officers have been directed to collect relevant documents and submit detailed preliminary reports within two weeks. Copies of the order were also dispatched to the Minister for Primary and Secondary Education and district in-charge ministers for official oversight.
