Ludhiana: Arranging uniform in Rs 600 a tough task for school heads

Tribune News Service

Manav Mander

Ludhiana, June 27

Due to the growing rate of inflation, government school heads are finding it tough to arrange uniforms for students as the funds released by the Education Department are insufficient to purchase even a single set of uniform.

Ludhiana got a share of Rs 9.6 crore for 1.5 lakh students with each student getting Rs 600. However, this amount is proving too small to arrange school uniforms and has raised the problems of the school heads and principals in managing the funds.

In Rs 600, schools have to give pant, shirt, sweater, socks, shoes to boys and suit-salwar, dupatta, sweater, socks and shoes to girl students. Ideally, two set of uniforms should be given but in Rs 600, it has become difficult to manage even one.

“Left with no other option, we will be contributing money from our own savings or taking help of social workers or NGOs so that students can get at least one complete set of uniform. The government should increase the fund for uniform allotment so that uniforms can be arranged in an easy manner,” said Gurpreet Singh, press secretary of Democratic Teachers Front.

A principal of a government school on the condition of anonymity said that although the fund allotted has been increased this year but still it is unable to suffice the need of arranging uniforms.

“Earlier we use to get Rs 400 for each student and this year it has raised to Rs 600 but still we will be unable to arrange one set of quality uniform in this amount. We need atleast Rs 1000 for one set and students require at least two sets so that they can change and wear a fresh set every day,” he said.

Daljeet Singh, general secretary of the front, added that due to inflation, it is difficult to arrange even one set of uniform in Rs 600. In addition to this, there is cost of stitching as well. Left with no other option, teachers contribute from their own pocket so that students can have uniforms, he said.

A student from a government school said one set of uniform does not suffice their requirement. “I will have to buy one more set as one cannot wear the same dress every day. Although girls are given a dupatta but boys are not given turban. Giving turban to the boys in the set should also be considered,” he said.

Bhagwant Singh, a parent whose daughter studies in Class VII said the schools provide uniform to the students but every year students has lot face lot of issues. “Last time, my daughter got shoes of different sizes and the quality of the uniform was not up to the mark. The government should increase the fund for uniform allotment so that two sets of good-quality uniforms can be are provided to the students,” he said.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.