Karnataka CM approves Rs 132 crore to buy shoes for students

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said he has approved a Rs 132 crore budget to provide a pair of shoes and two sets of socks for every student in government schools.

His government has been facing criticism for delaying budget and decision-making in the matter.

"Today, I have approved Rs 132 crore for shoes and socks. We will give them. There's no need to create confusion on this," he told the media. He added that the government has already approved the plan for uniforms and they are getting ready. "They will be distributed to the students in a while".

Over 50 lakh students are enrolled in government schools in Karnataka.

School Education and Literacy Minister B C Nagesh had earlier received backlash for saying that children do not go to schools for shoes and socks. The Congress party in the state has been slamming the BJP government for the same.

State Congress president D K Shivakumar said today that he will raise money for the shoes and socks by begging.