Karnataka Upalokayukta orders suo motu probe into poor-quality shoes supplied to government schools
You don’t have any Active Subscription.
Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription
The action follows media reports across Karnataka alleging that the shoes supplied to government schools were of inferior quality compared to those distributed last year. | Photo Credit: File photo
Upalokayukta Justice K.N. Phanindra has ordered registration of a suo motu complaint and a preliminary investigation into allegations that poor-quality shoes supplied to government school children this year were damaged within days, with some reportedly tearing within minutes of being worn.
The action follows media reports across Karnataka alleging that the shoes supplied to government schools were of inferior quality compared to those distributed last year. The reports also raised allegations of corruption in the procurement and supply of the footwear.
Justice Phanindra observed that the issue concerns the provision of basic amenities to school children and prima facie raises concerns regarding the right to education guaranteed under Article 21A of the Constitution and compliance with judgments of the Supreme Court.
Accordingly, suo motu complaints have been registered against the Deputy Directors of the School Education Department and Block Education Officers concerned in 15 districts falling under the jurisdiction of the Upalokayukta.
The Upalokayukta has directed the Superintendents of Police of the Karnataka Lokayukta in the respective districts to examine the relevant records and conduct a preliminary investigation into the allegations.
The officers have been instructed to collect and scrutinise the relevant documents and submit a preliminary report along with supporting records within two weeks.
Justice Phanindra directed that copies of the order be sent to the District In-charge Ministers concerned and the Karnataka Minister for Primary and Secondary Education for action.
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.
