Himachal orders probe over school uniform

Shimla, March 16 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Civil Supplies Minister G.S. Bali on Monday ordered a probe into the supply of free school uniform to all categories of students up to Class 10.

Questioned by the BJP over the supply of poor quality dresses by the government, Bali told the assembly that an inquiry would be conducted and the report be tabled in the house in this session.

The minister said 193 samples of various dresses were analysed randomly and discrepancies were found in 57 samples.

"A sum of Rs.4.56 crore was imposed as a fine on the supplier for supplying inferior dresses in 2013-14. In 2014-15, Rs.3.88 crore fine was imposed on the supplier," Bali said.

Former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal wanted to know why the contract for supplying dresses was given to the erring supplier again and again.

BJP's former education minister I.D. Dhiman demanded action against the those who placed the order.

Official sources said the government had been providing school uniform to over 10 lakh students in government schools every year free of cost. This cost the exchequer over Rs.60 crore annually.

Under the scheme, all students from Class 1 to 10 would get uniform.

Himachal Pradesh has over 15,000 primary and higher secondary government schools with a strength of around 10 lakh students.