Kozhikode: Schools in Kerala have not received a uniform allowance of Rs 160 crore from the State Government for the past two years. Headmasters and PTA representatives who purchased the fabric on credit, anticipating the funds, are now in a quandary.

The government provides free uniforms to approximately 29.5 lakh students of Class One to Eight. However, the allowance for last year has not yet been distributed, with only a few days left before the new school year starts. This year’s allowance is also pending.

Government school students receive handloom fabric for their uniforms. In aided schools, students of Class One to Four receive fabric, while those of Class Five to Eight receive an allowance of Rs 600 for two sets of uniforms. 

Each year, Rs 130 crore is allocated for fabric and Rs 80 crore for allowances, which are deposited into accounts of parents. Due to last year's delay, many headmasters and PTAs bought fabric on credit, hoping to save costs through bulk purchases.

Meanwhile, Education Department officials maintained that the distribution of last year’s allowance has begun in some areas, but teachers argue this is only nominal.
Handloom weavers facing financial hardship

Each year, 50 lakh meters of fabric need to be woven. The fabric, including this year's, has been distributed on time. The government, however, owes Rs 30 crore to weavers for the handloom fabric used in uniforms. This is the wages for about 7,500 workers over five months. The amount due till last December was paid in March. 

The government has also stopped supplying the necessary thread, according to V Babu, secretary of the State Handloom Cooperative Societies Association. 
Meanwhile, K S Anilkumar, director of the Handloom and Textile Department, claimed that funds for wages will be allocated soon, attributing the delay to elections and other factors.