Session over, 12.7 lakh students to get uniforms by March 31

Karam Prakash

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Tribune News Service

Patiala, March 17

Finally, 12.7 lakh students of government schools in the state will get their uniforms by March 31. 

The uniforms were supposed to reach the schools in the 2018-19 academic session, which has already concluded. Now, the Education Department, which is facing flak for the delay, has decided to monitor the distribution of uniforms through its portal, ePunjabschool.gov.in.

In a circular issued by the Deputy State Project Officer, the Block Primary Officers, school heads and District Education Officers (DEOs) have been asked to update the number of uniforms received on the portal by March 15.

The circular further stated that in future too, they would have to update information on the portal as and when they received uniforms.

Meanwhile, the Education Department said updating information on the portal would make sure that uniforms reached schools on time. The school authorities have to update information on the day they receive uniforms. However, teachers said the government woke up only after the session ended. “Action should be taken against the officials responsible for the delay,” they demanded.

“When teachers get late by five minutes, they are served show-cause notices in no time and when uniforms are delayed for months, there is no inquiry. The government will deliver uniforms by March 31 as Lok Sabha elections are approaching. Otherwise, they did not provide uniforms since 2017,” said Vikram Dev, state committee member, Democratic Teacher Front.

Inspection panel to check quality of uniforms

Following repeated complaints, the Education Department has formed a five-member inspection committee at the district level to check the quality of uniforms. The committee, chaired by the DEO, will collect samples at random. The committee members will inspect uniforms visually, while technical testing will be done at government-approved labs. The panel will also send an acknowledgment certificate, along with reports, to the State Education Department.