Odisha flags delay in distribution of school uniforms; Minister Gond warns defaulting SHGs

Expressing concerns over delays in supplying school uniforms to students in some parts of the state, Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond on Thursday held a review meeting with departmental officials and directed action against self-help groups (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. However, he acknowledged that certain pockets in a few districts are yet to complete the process, despite timelines issued earlier by the department.

During the review meeting, officials briefed Minister Gond on the status of uniform distribution across districts and cited delayed supplies by selected SHGs as a key reason for the pending distribution in a handful of schools.

Defaulting SHGs To Be Replaced

Taking note of the delay, Minister Gond directed the department to cancel assignments of SHGs unable to supply uniforms on time. He said the responsibility will be transferred to alternative agencies or groups to ensure that students do not face any further inconvenience.

He further directed officials to expedite the final phase of distribution and instructed district authorities to closely monitor compliance to avoid further lapses.

ALSO READ: Odisha govt grants in-principle approval for wrestling and boxing academy in Puri; land allotment underway

Departmental Review To Continue

The minister added that monitoring will continue until all pending areas complete uniform issuance. District education officials have been asked to submit progress reports and ensure that students receive uniforms at the earliest without any procedural delays.

It is worth noting that uniform supply across government schools remains a key part of Odisha’s school support scheme aimed at reducing economic barriers and ensuring equal access to education facilities for children across all districts.