Odisha's Education Minister Nityananda Gond expressed concern over delays in school uniform deliveries, urging swift action against non-compliant self-help groups. During a review with departmental officials, he directed action against SHGs failing to meet delivery deadlines.
In his address to the press, the minister stated that more than 80 percent of schoolchildren across Odisha have already received their uniforms for the current academic year, but acknowledged that some pockets in a few districts are yet to complete the process despite earlier timelines issued by the department.
“More than 80 percent of students have received their uniforms for this academic year; however, certain pockets in a few districts are yet to complete,”
During the review, officials briefed Minister Gond on the status of distribution across districts and cited delayed supplies by certain SHGs as a key reason for pending distribution in a handful of schools.
Taking note of the delay, Gond directed the department to cancel assignments of SHGs unable to supply uniforms on time, with responsibility transferred to alternative agencies to ensure students do not face further inconvenience. He also directed officials to expedite the final phase of distribution and instructed district authorities to closely monitor compliance to avoid further lapses.
“The responsibility will be transferred to alternative agencies or groups to ensure that students do not face any further inconvenience. Expedite the final phase and monitor compliance to avoid lapses.”
Summary: The minister stressed timely distribution of uniforms, announced actions against non-compliant SHGs, and demanded accelerated completion of the final distribution phase to prevent further delays.
Author’s note: Odisha moves to shore up uniform distribution by replacing non-performing SHGs and tightening oversight to ensure all students receive their uniforms promptly.