By team abhyaspeeth 
Abhyspeeth Education Desk
In a significant step toward promoting equity and dignity in education, the Central and Maharashtra state governments have approved a combined budget of over ₹257 crore to provide free school uniforms to more than 43 lakh students in the 2025–26 academic year.
Under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, the Centre has sanctioned ₹190.92 crore for providing two uniforms each to 31.82 lakh eligible students from government and local body schools, including girls, Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, and children from families below the poverty line (BPL) studying in Classes 1 to 8.
In addition to this, the Maharashtra State Government has allocated ₹66.94 crore under its Free Uniform Scheme for an additional 11.15 lakh BPL students, ensuring the inclusion of economically disadvantaged children.
Each student will receive two uniforms worth ₹600, and the total uniform allocation stands at ₹181.47 crore. The funds will be transferred directly to School Management Committees (SMCs), following a government ordinance issued on April 2, 2025, allowing decentralized procurement and timely distribution.
The initiative also builds upon a policy decision made on July 6, 2023, which expanded the scheme’s benefits. From the 2023–24 academic year onwards, eligible students also receive a free pair of shoes and two pairs of socks under the same program.
Dattatraya Walunj, former President of the Pune District Primary Teachers Association, welcomed the move, saying, “This scheme ensures that every child, irrespective of their background, starts the academic year with confidence and dignity. It’s essential that funds reach SMC accounts before schools reopen, so that uniforms can be distributed on day one itself.”
The Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI schemes continue to play a vital role in making quality education accessible, inclusive, and equitable, particularly for children from underserved communities.
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