Mangaluru: The state government distributes free shoes and socks to primary and secondary school students every academic year, yet parents and teachers have raised concerns over their durability. Despite rising market prices, the budget for the scheme has remained unchanged since its launch in 2015-16.
This year, ₹111 crore has been allocated to supply footwear to nearly 40 lakh students. School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs) handle procurement, with budgets fixed at ₹265 per set for Grades 1–5, ₹295 for Grades 6–8, and ₹325 for Grades 9–10. In rain-prone coastal, Malnad, and parts of north Karnataka, schools provide chappals instead of shoes due to prolonged monsoons.
An SDMC president explained that footwear is distributed after September when rainfall subsides. “We try to get the best quality within budget, but prices have gone up while allocations remain the same,” he said. A teacher added that most pairs last less than six months.
Vendors face procurement rules, including mandatory ISI certification, often forcing them to supply shoes at minimal profit or loss. “Despite these challenges, we aim to maintain standards,” said one supplier.
Mohidduin Kutty, president of the SDMC coordination committee, stated that they seek a six-month warranty but noted children use the footwear for play as well, reducing lifespan. Principal Secretary V. Rashmi Mahesh was unavailable for comment.