Pune: State Directs Random Inspections, Lab Testing to Ensure Quality of Free School Uniforms
Pune, 14th July 2026: Days after the state rolled out its free school uniform scheme, the Maharashtra Prathamik Shikshan Parishad has directed district education authorities to inspect the quality of uniforms across schools, warning that school management committees (SMCs) and suppliers could face legal action if the material is found to be substandard.
In a circular issued on July 8, Joint Director Devidas Kulal instructed education officials to conduct random inspections, send fabric samples for laboratory testing and initiate legal proceedings wherever poor-quality uniforms are detected.
Kulal said education officers have been asked to collect fabric samples from at least one school in every taluka during inspections and send them for laboratory analysis. “The laboratory reports should be submitted to our office,” he said.
The circular lays down a multi-tier inspection mechanism. Cluster heads have been asked to inspect uniforms in every school, block education officers must verify 30 per cent of schools in their jurisdiction, while district education officers have been directed to inspect at least 10 schools in each taluka.
It also states that payments to suppliers should be released only after uniforms have been distributed to all eligible students and their quality has been verified.
Under the state scheme, students from Classes I to VIII in government and local body schools receive two sets of uniforms free of cost, including one Scouts and Guides uniform.
