Karnataka Upalokayukta orders suo motu probe into poor-quality shoes supplied to govt. schools

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.