Bengaluru: Taking serious cognisance of widespread reports alleging major irregularities and poor quality in the distribution of shoes to govt schoolchildren across the state, Upalokayukta Justice KN Phanindra has initiated a suo motu case.
The anti-corruption watchdog ordered a probe targeting key education department officials across 15 districts. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bengaluru | Silver Rate in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Petrol Price in Bengaluru | Diesel Price in Bengaluru | CNG Price in Bengaluru | LPG Price in Bengaluru Stay updated with the latest Bengaluru news. Lokayukta formally registered cases against concerned deputy directors of the school education department (DDPIs) and block education officers (BEOs) in these districts. Lokayukta SPs from the districts have been directed to submit a report in two weeks. In his directive, Justice Phanindra noted that failing to provide basic amenities to young students is a fundamental issue. “The action follows damning daily media reports detailing how shoes issued to students in the current academic year fell apart almost instantly. Several schoolchildren witnessed their newly-distributed footwear tearing within a single week of use, while others saw the stitching come apart within minutes of wearing them. Public outcry has intensified after parents and activists highlighted that this year’s footwear supply is vastly inferior in quality compared to previous years. The stark drop in durability has fueled strong allegations of systemic corruption and official negligence during the procurement and procurement-oversight stages,” a Lokayukta press note stated. Download the TOI App.