Maharashtra: The Maharashtra government has announced the distribution of free uniforms to eligible students on the very first day of the upcoming academic year, with a total allocation of over ₹248 crore for the initiative. The responsibility for implementing the scheme has once again been handed over to school management committees after the state officially discontinued the earlier ‘One State One Uniform’ policy.
The centralised model introduced last year through the ‘One State One Uniform’ scheme faced widespread criticism due to numerous operational challenges. Students were reported receiving incorrect sizes, substandard materials, or no uniforms at all. In response to public backlash, the School Education Department has reverted to the previous decentralized approach. A circular issued by Sanjay Yadav, State Project Director of the Maharashtra Primary Education Council, directs schools to resume handling uniform procurement and distribution locally.
According to government data, a total of 42,97,790 students are eligible under schemes such as Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI, and the State Uniform Scheme. The central government has sanctioned ₹181.47 crore, based on ₹600 per student. Additionally, the state government has allocated ₹66.94 crore to cover 11,15,760 students from families above the poverty line, ensuring two uniforms each at ₹600 per student.
Eligibility covers all girls from Classes I to VIII, children from Scheduled Castes and Tribes, and students from families living below the poverty line. Beginning in the 2023–24 academic year, the scheme has also been extended to children from families above the poverty line, providing them with two uniforms, one pair of shoes, and two pairs of socks. New and first-grade admissions are also included.
Schools offering Scout and Guide programs must coordinate with the relevant organisations to finalize the colour scheme for one set of uniforms, while the second can be chosen by the school. Authorities have emphasized the importance of ensuring high-quality, skin-friendly fabrics, avoiding the use of 100% polyester. Education Officers and Group Education Officers are tasked with inspecting uniforms for quality and adherence to guidelines. In case of complaints, the School Management Committee will be held accountable.
Students who already receive uniforms from state departments such as Social Justice, Tribal Development, or Minority Welfare through government-run hostels are excluded from receiving additional uniforms under the Samagra Shiksha program. Similarly, students whose uniforms are funded by municipal corporations will not be eligible for further support under this scheme to avoid duplication of benefits.
This move aims to ensure every eligible student has access to proper school attire while maintaining accountability and flexibility at the local level.
