Karnataka Orders Probe Into Poor Quality Shoes and Socks for Government School Students

The Karnataka School Education and Literacy Department has ordered a detailed investigation into complaints that poor quality shoes and socks were supplied to government school students under the Vidya Vikas scheme for the academic year 2026 to 2027.

The move follows growing concern over complaints from different areas of the state. Reports have alleged that some shoes began tearing soon after they were used, while others reportedly had soles coming loose or did not fit students properly. Similar concerns have also been raised about the quality and fitting of the socks supplied to children.

The department has treated the matter as extremely urgent and directed the School Education Commissioner to coordinate a district wise verification exercise. Teams will be formed by the Chief Executive Officers of the respective Zilla Panchayats to examine the complaints and check whether the supplied products meet the required standards.

Each inspection team will have two or three members, with one person appointed as the team leader. Officials have been instructed to select members with relevant expertise from departments other than the School Education and Literacy Department.

The investigation is expected to be completed within seven days from the formation of the teams. Once the field inspection is over, district level reports will be submitted to the School Education Commissioner. The commissioner will then consolidate the findings and prepare a comprehensive report for the School Education and Literacy Department.

Officials have been asked to examine several aspects of the footwear supplied to students. This includes checking whether the soles separate easily, whether stitching around the toe and heel areas is secure and whether the material used for the upper portion matches the specifications mentioned in the tender.

The thickness and quality of the material will also be examined. Teams have been instructed to check whether artificial materials were used in place of the material specified in the procurement conditions.

The physical size of the shoes will be another important part of the inspection. Officials will measure the footwear at the school level and determine whether students were given shoes that properly fit them.

The investigation will not be limited to the physical condition of the products. Officials have also been asked to examine the lot numbers, certification from the footwear design and development agency and inspection certificates issued before the products were dispatched.

Documents connected with procurement will also come under scrutiny. Teams will examine the date of the work order, certificates, GST bills, actual supply dates and details of the number of students who received the shoes and socks.

The role of School Development and Monitoring Committees in accepting the supplied stock will also be checked. Investigators will examine the number of complaints submitted to Block Education Officers and Deputy Directors of Public Instruction in the respective areas.

Photographs taken during the inspection have also been made part of the reporting process. Teams have been directed to attach relevant photographs to their final investigation reports so that the condition of the supplied products can be documented.

The issue has also reached the Karnataka Lokayukta. Justice K N Phaneendra, the Upalokayukta, has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports alleging that poor quality shoes and socks were supplied to schoolchildren.

The Upalokayukta has ordered an investigation into allegations concerning officials of the School Education and Literacy Department. The order refers to reports suggesting possible irregularities and corruption in the supply of footwear provided as part of basic facilities for students.

The Upalokayukta has observed that the allegations, if established, could raise concerns relating to the right to education under Article 21A of the Constitution.

The inquiry covers 15 districts falling within the jurisdiction of Justice Phaneendra. Complaints have been registered against the concerned Deputy Directors of the School Education Department and Block Education Officers in those districts.

The Karnataka Lokayukta Police Superintendents in the respective districts have been directed to examine the relevant records and conduct a preliminary investigation. They have been asked to submit their reports within two weeks.

The development puts the quality of supplies under the Vidya Vikas scheme under closer scrutiny. Apart from checking the footwear itself, authorities are now examining procurement records, certification, billing, delivery and the role of officials involved in receiving the material.

Copies of the Upalokayukta order have also been sent to the concerned district in charge ministers, the Minister for Primary and Secondary Education and the Chief Minister for necessary action.

The two investigations are expected to establish whether the complaints were caused by isolated supply problems or point to wider shortcomings in procurement and quality control. The findings will be important in determining what further action should be taken against those responsible, if violations are confirmed.