Free uniforms and shoes for all school students in Odisha

(Reporterstoday, Bhubaneswar):  Minister of School & Mass Education Samir Ranjan Dash today announced that all schools students in Odisha would be provided with free shoes and uniforms. the department has decided to issue identity cards to the school students, in order to categorically identify them and also maintain a healthy decorum, he said.

“Earlier only BPL category students were provided free shoes and school uniforms, which we feel gave rise to inferiority complex among those deprived of the facility. Now the government has decided that all school students will avail this facility. It will be implemented very soon,” said Dash.

Earlier in the day, when Dash made a surprise visit to Balianta BEO office, only two staff were present. He said, “I waited there from 10AM till 10:40AM and later found that the BEO was undertaking a school bag checking drive. Those who were absent have been served show-cause notices and the department has decided to deduct their one-day salary.”