Free uniforms for KG kids in govt schools to boost enrolment

At present, LKG and UKG classes are being conducted in 2,381 Anganwadi centres in the government primary and middle schools. Teachers were also appointed according to the requirements and they have started taking classes according to the syllabus prepared for pre-school children by the Tamil Nadu State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT).

After sanctioning Rs 7 crore, the State government had allocated Rs 5,000 per Anganwadi centre to procure educational kits for the children.

A senior official from the School Education Department told DT Next that following the request from parents, the department has decided to provide free uniforms to kids in State-owned kindergarten schools as was done for government school students from Classes 1 to 8.

“A tender has already been invited to supply uniforms to the students,” he said adding that a few companies which have already participated in the tender process and the government may finalise one soon.

The official added that as per the requirement, the selected company would have to stitch dresses for girls and shirts with half trousers for boys. “The uniforms will be distributed in a phased manner from February,” he said.

Stating that about 56,000 children — who were admitted in kindergarten government schools this year, would benefit from this move, the official added that each student would get two sets ofthe uniform.

He said the government has constituted a committee which would conduct a survey to study feedback from parents and teachers about the welfare measures. “Measures for improvement will be taken based on the findings. The government is also planning to distribute slippers for LKG and UKG students,” theofficial added.