NEW DELHI: Holding that shoes are essential wear that give dignity and confidence to children, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has asked the Central government to provide them as part of school uniforms under the Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009.
NCPCR wrote to the HRD Ministry after school students asked them for shoes during interactions.
“Shoes are one of the essential wears that gives dignity and confidence to children... in terms of maintaining health and hygiene of the children, it is imperative for (them) to wear it during the school time,” NCPCR said in its letter. “While examining the implementation of the provision, it is observed that shoes are not considered part of the uniforms.”
RTE is implemented through the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, under which 11 crore children are enrolled in 14 lakh schools across the country.
The Commission highlighted that Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan mentions that uniforms are part of child entitlement and students should also get textbooks and mid-day meals.