The Pradesh Congress has strongly condemned the state government’s decision to introduce a fixed school uniform policy across all government schools, terming it “anti-poor” and “detrimental” to the state’s education system.

According to the new guideline, uniforms will be standardized for students of the same category to ensure consistency and a unified identity. 

However, the Congress has argued that the move will further burden poor families and deepen the ongoing crisis in the education sector.

“The BJP government has already made education increasingly expensive, pushing it out of reach for children from economically weaker sections,” the party alleged in a statement.

Citing the Vidyajyoti scheme, under which students are reportedly charged ₹1,200 annually with promises of improved education, the Congress claimed the policy violates the Right to Education Act and has directly contributed to a rising dropout rate.

The party further pointed out that under the new rule, students from Classes 9 to 12 will have to buy fresh uniforms, which many families will find difficult to afford.

Additionally, the Pradesh Congress alleged that the decision would harm local cloth sellers, who earlier benefitted from uniform sales. It accused the government of favouring specific contractors or traders for supplying the uniforms, hinting at “corruption and money laundering” behind the move.

The Pradesh Congress has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the policy.