India
Karnataka Upalokayukta Launches Probe Into Substandard School Shoes
Upalokayukta Justice K.N. Phanindra has directed the registration of a suo motu complaint and ordered a preliminary investigation into allegations that shoes supplied to government school children this year were of poor quality, with reports indicating that some pairs got damaged within days and others tore within minutes of being worn.
The move comes after multiple media reports across Karnataka alleged that the footwear distributed this year was inferior in quality compared to what was supplied last year. The reports also raised concerns about possible corruption in the procurement and distribution process.
Justice Phanindra noted that the matter pertains to the provision of basic amenities to schoolchildren and prima facie raises questions about the right to education under Article 21A of the Constitution, as well as compliance with relevant Supreme Court judgments.
Following this, suo motu complaints have been registered against Deputy Directors of the School Education Department and Block Education Officers in 15 districts under the Upalokayukta's jurisdiction.
The Upalokayukta has instructed the Superintendents of Police of the Karnataka Lokayukta in these districts to examine relevant records and carry out a preliminary inquiry into the allegations. They have been asked to gather and review pertinent documents and submit a preliminary report, along with supporting evidence, within two weeks.
Justice Phanindra also ordered that copies of the directive be forwarded to the concerned District In-charge Ministers and the Karnataka Minister for Primary and Secondary Education for necessary action.
The order was published on September 10, 2026.