School uniforms for half of state likely to be delayed

The supply of first set of uniform for government school students is likely to be delayed in two revenue divisions of the state.

With hardly 22 days left for reopening of schools, the tenders have been called for the second time for supply of uniforms for schools in two revenue divisions. However, preparations are on for supplying uniforms on time in the other two revenue divisions.

In-charge commissioner for Department of Public Instruction, M T Reju, said that only one bid for received for the tender floated first time and hence the bids had been invited for the second time. “Steps would be taken for supply of uniforms by completing the tender process at the earliest. The process has not been delayed due to the model code of conduct for election,” the commissioner said.

Reju said that a meeting on the implementation of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan was scheduled in New Delhi soon where the Union government would be urged to provide two pairs of uniforms. Preparations are also on for distributing bicycles to students. “It may not be possible to provide bicycles to all students by June 1. But, steps will be to taken to ensure that there is no delay,” the commissioner added.

Reju added that English medium classes would begin in 1,000 government schools this year as declared in the budget. As many as 5,000 teachers who have exposure to English have been imparted training in this regard. Kannada texts will be taught in English. Mathematics and English will follow NCERT syllabus, the commissioner said.