Karnataka to replace shoes with slippers for school students

Bengaluru: Karnataka’s School Education Department is considering a major change to its footwear distribution scheme for students in government and aided schools. Instead of providing shoes and socks, the department is examining the possibility of supplying slippers in regions that experience heavy rainfall and persistently damp weather conditions.

The proposal follows concerns that prolonged use of wet shoes and socks during the monsoon season is causing health problems among students. Officials have received complaints that footwear often remains soaked for long periods, increasing the risk of fungal infections, unpleasant odour and other hygiene-related issues.

To assess the feasibility of the change, the department has directed Deputy Directors of Public Instruction in all districts to study local climatic conditions and submit reports on whether shoes or slippers would be more suitable for students in their respective regions. The review is aimed at improving student health, hygiene and comfort while taking regional weather variations into account.

Education authorities believe a uniform policy may not be practical across Karnataka, where climatic conditions differ significantly from one district to another. Slippers are being considered as a more convenient option that can be used during both the rainy and summer seasons, particularly in areas that receive heavy rainfall.

At present, the state government provides one pair of shoes and two pairs of socks annually to students in government schools. Last year, allocations were fixed at Rs 265 for students in Classes 1 to 5, Rs 295 for Classes 6 to 8 and Rs 325 for students in Classes 9 and 10.

The proposal to replace shoes with slippers remains under consideration, and no final decision has been taken. The department is expected to decide on possible changes only after receiving feedback from district authorities.