Order free uniforms or face action, warns Directorate of Public Instruction

KOCHI: The Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) has decided to initiate action against headmasters of government and aided schools who fail to place order for school uniforms before February 28. So far, only 38% of schools in the state have placed the order for uniforms.
Further, to ensure that headmasters meet the deadline, the DPI has also warned assistant education officers (AEOs) to ensure that schools in their area immediately chalk out plans for the order or face action including suspension.The DPI has already suspended three AEOs on the basis of a report submitted by the district education officer. Sources said that the three had recommended that the DPI should endorse the stand of the headmasters and pay them in advance for the purchase of uniforms.
"We have decided that the money will be reimbursed only after the uniforms are supplied to schools. Following this, the headmaster has to place the matter either before the parent-teachers association (PTA) or the school management committee (SMC) which will have to pass a resolution that the students have received the uniform," said DPI Biju Prabhakar.
Kollam district has placed the most number of orders (82%) for school uniforms. On the other hand, the lowest number of orders is from Wayannad and Kasaragod, with just about 8-10% of the schools there applying for uniforms. "The headmasters have to place the order before February 28 or face disciplinary action", added Prabhakar.
The DPI had in January selected the agencies that will distribute uniforms to schools and directed the headmasters to place the order.
As per the DPI's order, school management committees may either choose an empanelled bidder or place the order for uniforms for each student from class I to VIII, excluding boys who come from families above poverty line, with a private agency. The latter option can be followed only if they are able to issue a certificate from a textile ministry-approved laboratory that the specifications given by DPI has been met.
Rs 400 has been allotted by the department for two pairs of uniform for each student. This includes the cost of the material and tailoring charges.
Boys till standard VII are eligible only for trousers and half-sleeve shirts. Boys in standard VIII are eligible for pants. Duppattas will be provided only for standard VIII girls.