Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has approved Rs 104 crore to provide shoes and socks to students in government schools during the 2026-27 academic year, but it has yet to release the full amount, even as the supply deadline has already passed.
According to a report submitted by the School Education and Literacy Department, work orders covering 36,61,267 pairs of shoes and socks had been issued as of August 10. Of these, 21,92,529 had been distributed, while 12,59,298 were still in transit. Another 2,09,440 units were under production and were expected to be delivered by August 21.
As per the tender conditions, the supply process was supposed to be completed by July 31. Distribution based on the number of students and their foot measurements was expected to continue until August 15.
Department Commissioner Vikas Kishore Suralkar has reportedly informed the government that the delay was partly due to the admission process, which continued until July 31, and the need to collect students’ measurements. He also warned that the government could initiate action under the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act if suppliers failed to complete the process within the stipulated period.
Under the Vidya Vikas scheme, the government has decided to provide one pair of quality shoes and two pairs of socks to students from Classes 1 to 10 in government schools. The state has 36,56,613 students in these classes.
However, delays in releasing funds have reportedly created difficulties for schools. In some institutions, only 20 per cent or 40 per cent of the sanctioned amount has reportedly been transferred to School Development and Monitoring Committee accounts.
A headmaster said schools were reluctant to purchase shoes and socks for only a section of students with the limited amount available.
“If we provide shoes and socks to only some students with the money received, it will create discrimination. We can purchase them only after receiving the full allocation. Therefore, the amount sanctioned by the government is lying in the bank account,” the headmaster said.
The issue has also revived concerns over the allocation made for the scheme in recent years. The government had earmarked Rs 132 crore in 2022-23, Rs 125 crore in 2023-24, Rs 125 crore in 2024-25 and Rs 111.88 crore in 2025-26. Of the 2025-26 allocation, Rs 13.20 crore was reportedly still pending for release, according to information provided by School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa in the legislature.
Teachers have also raised concerns over the rates fixed for purchasing footwear. In previous years, the government fixed rates of Rs 265 per student for Classes 1 to 5, Rs 295 for Classes 6 to 8, and Rs 325 for Classes 9 and 10.
Teachers argue that these rates have not kept pace with market prices. The cost of branded footwear has increased considerably over the years due to rising input and transportation costs.
Government orders have also encouraged schools to purchase good-quality footwear, including products from reputed companies, while allowing additional contributions from donors and private organisations.
“This is the same rate that was fixed several years ago, but prices in the market have increased substantially. Fuel prices and the cost of raw materials have also gone up. The government should revise the old rates according to current market prices instead of expecting teachers to seek additional money from donors and private organisations,” another headmaster said.
The government had earmarked Rs 129.84 crore in 2017-18 for shoes and socks for students from Classes 1 to 10. The same rates were subsequently continued in later years despite changes in market prices.
Teachers have pointed out that a quality pair of shoes can cost significantly more than what the scheme provides.
This has reportedly forced some schools to approach charitable organisations and donors to bridge the gap.
Meanwhile, the department said the distribution process is progressing and that the remaining shoes and socks are expected to reach schools shortly.
