Students in schools under minority development have not yet received uniforms, shoes and socks

Sources state that the ministry has not even issued tenders for the supply of uniforms, shoes, socks, bags and other stationery supplies. | Photo Credit: Photo File

More than a month after schools opened for the 2026-2027 academic year, the Ministry of Minority Welfare is yet to provide uniforms, shoes, socks, bags and other stationery to students in schools under its jurisdiction.

Sources said that the department, which has been supplying textbooks to students lately, has not issued tenders for the supply of uniforms, shoes, socks, bags and other stationery despite repeated requests from the principals.

A total of 398 schools, including 250 Moulana Azad Model Schools, four Government Muslim Residential Schools (GMRS), 115 Morarji Desai Residential Schools (MDRS) and 29 Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, is functioning under the Ministry of Social Welfare for minorities across the state from 100 to 100 students.

Textbooks, uniforms, shoes, socks, bags and other stationery are distributed to these students by the Minority Welfare Department.

The school’s education department distributed textbooks and uniforms to students within its purview. The process of distributing shoes and socks is underway.

“Parents come to schools every day to ask for uniforms, shoes, socks and stationery to be distributed to students. We have no answer to parents’ queries. Many students come to school barefoot,” said Moulana Azad, principal of the model school.

The selection procedure has not yet been announced

Sources in the ministry said the distribution of uniforms, shoes, socks and stationery was delayed due to delay in giving approval by the finance department and the state cabinet.

Yasmeen Begum G. Walikar, Director, Directorate of Minorities, said, “There has been a delay in granting permission from the finance department to distribute uniforms, shoes, socks and other items to the students. The state cabinet has also approved it and steps have been taken to call for the tender next week. It will take about 20 days to complete this tender. We will distribute all the items to all the students within a month.”

Published – 10 Jul 2026 20:37 IST