SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, Jan 3: With consecutive issues regarding providing new uniforms to students all over Jharkhand, the Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC) has brought up a proposal to purchase uniforms and give them to school children through the School Management Committee (SMC).
Talking in this regard, an official of the Education Department, on the condition of not being named said, “The JEPC has sent this proposal to Education Minister Jagarnath Mahto along with mentioning a few other options and has sought consent. Another issue is the amount distributed for the uniform sets, which may also be increased. The minister has said that soon decisions will be taken on all these issues.”
Earlier, students would buy clothes through SMC itself, but this was stopped after complaints of various irregularities. It was then decided that the money would go directly into the accounts of the students through DBT so that their parents would buy school uniforms, sweaters and other articles. However, this decision has now deprived over 10 lakh children of school dress this winter season. Despite the availability of funds, the amount could not be sent to the student’s accounts, either because the bank accounts of these children are not yet open or they are not connected to Aadhaar Cards.
The official further stated that of the 38 lakh school children in the state, only 23 lakh children have bank accounts. They have been given the set amount for the uniforms through DBT in their bank account. In the case of those students whose bank accounts could not be opened or whose amount is not being received by the bank, due to missing Aadhaar cards, the amount will be given to them.
“The SMC and the headmaster of the school will be able to withdraw the amount and pay it. The education department is preparing to give instructions in this regard to the schools soon. Data is also being sought from the districts about the number of students in schools that have received uniforms and those that were unable to get the benefit. The amount of the dress was to be given to all the students by November 15, 2022, but later the last date was extended till December 31,” the official added.
Notably, as per initial instructions of the Education Minister, students were supposed to have received the school uniforms before November 15, so that the uniform would be worn on Foundation Day. When this did plan not succeed, the date was extended.
While talking in this regard, JEPC state director Kiran Kumari Pasi said, “CMCs had been instructed to buy uniforms for classes I and II. However, I do not have knowledge of any further developments.”
