School Uniforms under RTE entitlements
The RTE Act guarantees free and compulsory education for all children in Government
schools. Uniforms constitute an expense which poor families are often not able to
afford, and thus becomes a barrier for many children to pursue and complete
elementary education. The Scheme provide two sets of uniform to all girls, SC, ST
children and Below Poverty Line (BPL) children at an average cost of Rs. 600/- per child
per annum. The purpose of school uniforms is to inspire a sense of belonging and
ownership of the school for the children using its services.
The Central Government is providing funds on yearly basis under Samagra Shiksha for
purchase and supply of 2-set of stitched uniforms to all girl children and boys belonging
to SC, ST, BPL categories [at] Rs 600/- per student ([at] Rs. 300/- per set) for elementary
classes of govt. schools.
Text Books
Appropriate use of text books is a major indicator of quality education imparted in
schools. Therefore Textbook production reform, including the layout and design, text
and cover paper size and specifications, ink, printing and binding, etc., have significant
implications. Textbooks are covered under RTE entitlements. There is support for
provisions for textbooks to all children in Government/Local Body and Government
Aided schools, including Madarsas desirous of introducing the State curriculum, at
primary level and at upper primary level. The textbooks should keep the principle of
equity and inclusion at the forefront, proactively break extant stereotypes and reflect
sensitivity to gender, caste and class parity, peace, health and needs of differently abled
children.
