The Maharashtra government has amended its free uniform scheme for government and local body school students, effective from the academic year 2026-27. The revised guidelines mandate minimum fabric quality standards, stitching through women's self-help groups (SHGs), and distribution on the first day of school. However, some school teachers expressed concerns about meeting the deadline, as schools are set to reopen in less than a month.
Key Changes in the Uniform Scheme
The school education department issued directives on Friday requiring that uniforms must not be made of 100% polyester, which was previously allowed. Instead, fabric must have a minimum composition of 70:30 or 80:20 polyester and viscose or cotton to prevent skin harm. Additionally, the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) logo must be printed on the front of each uniform.
Implementation Challenges
A teacher from a Zilla Parishad school noted that schools will reopen by June 26, meaning uniforms must be distributed by June 25. The decision came late, and clarity is needed on selecting SHGs if multiple operate in an area. Under the scheme, all girls in Classes 1 to 8 in government and local body schools, SC/ST boys, and children of parents below the poverty line are entitled to free uniforms. Since 2023-24, the benefit has also been extended to children of parents above the poverty line under the state scheme.
Stitching Through SHGs
All stitching must be carried out through local women's SHGs. If local SHGs are not available, the school management committee (SMC) must certify this before approaching a nearby SHG. Child Development Project officers have been directed to encourage all SHGs to contact local body schools for stitching work.
Quality Inspection Mechanism
A multi-level quality inspection mechanism has been put in place. At the basic level, kendra pramukhs (KPs) must inspect 100% of schools under their jurisdiction (average around 12 schools). Block education officers must inspect at least 30% of schools under their purview. District-level education officers (primary) must inspect 10 schools per taluka. If substandard fabric is found, samples must be sent to a laboratory immediately, and legal action taken against the supplier and the SMC. Education officers (primary) must also randomly collect samples from at least one school per taluka and submit reports to the department headquarters, which will appoint state-level inspection teams to cover at least eight districts.
Uniform Design Guidelines
One of the two uniforms distributed must preferably follow Scout and Guide colors: sky blue shirt with dark blue half pants for boys, and a sky blue shirt with dark blue pinafore frock or salwar for girls.
