Parents and students in Teliamura express anger over poor-quality, ill-fitted school uniforms supplied by the Education Department. Complaints highlight low-grade fabric, wrong sizes, and late distribution, sparking calls to restore the old system of direct financial aid.
Anger and disappointment have gripped parents and students across Teliamura after the Education Department distributed poor-quality and ill-fitted school uniforms to children in Classes I to VIII this academic year. What was supposed to be a gesture of support to students before the festive season has turned into a wave of frustration and criticism against the department’s handling of the initiative.
Parents allege that this year’s uniforms, unlike in previous years, were not provided through direct financial transfers to students’ accounts. Instead, the Education Department supplied ready-made uniforms—supposedly to ensure timely distribution ahead of Durga Puja. However, the plan appears to have backfired.
Complaints Over Fabric and Fit
Several parents have claimed that the uniforms are made of substandard fabric that feels rough, lacks durability, and appears prone to tearing after just a few washes. Moreover, the dresses distributed were of inconsistent sizes—either too tight or excessively loose—forcing families to make costly alterations at local tailoring shops.
A parent from Teliamura Market area shared her frustration, saying, “Last year, we received money directly in our children’s accounts, and we bought uniforms from trusted local shops. This year, the government gave us ready-made uniforms, but the size doesn’t fit and the cloth is of very low quality. We had to spend more money to fix what was supposed to be free.”
The complaints are widespread. In many schools, students were seen wearing ill-fitted uniforms or returning to their older clothes as the new ones were uncomfortable. Teachers, too, have reportedly raised concerns about the situation, as it affects students’ morale and discipline in school.
Delay Adds to the Discontent
Another major grievance among parents is the delay in the uniform distribution process. The academic year began nearly five months ago, yet the uniforms were handed out only just before the Durga Puja holidays. For many students, the delay meant attending classes in old or worn-out uniforms for months.
“The purpose of providing school uniforms is to promote equality and help students feel a sense of belonging,” said a local teacher. “But when uniforms are delayed or poorly made, it creates unnecessary frustration for both parents and students.”
Outsourced Uniform Production Under Scrutiny
Sources within the Education Department revealed that the uniforms were stitched and supplied by an external agency contracted by the department. While officials claimed the outsourcing was intended to streamline production and ensure consistency, the quality control process appears to have been severely lacking.
Local tailors, who were previously involved in uniform stitching when funds were given directly to students, also expressed disappointment. “Earlier, we got orders from parents to make proper-sized uniforms. Now everything has gone to one outside agency, and the result is substandard,” said a local tailor in Teliamura Bazaar.
Calls for Return to the Old System
Many parents and teachers have urged the Education Minister to reconsider the new distribution model. They are demanding a return to the earlier system, where money was directly transferred to students’ or guardians’ bank accounts, allowing families to purchase uniforms according to size and preference from local vendors.
“We’re not against free uniforms,” said another parent. “But if the government truly wants to help, they must ensure quality and timely delivery. Otherwise, it’s the students who suffer.”
The controversy has sparked discussions among school management committees and local political leaders as well. Several community members have called for a formal inquiry into how the contract was awarded and whether the supplied uniforms met the required standards.
As resentment grows, the issue highlights the challenges of centralized procurement systems in welfare schemes. While well-intentioned, such systems can often overlook local needs, flexibility, and quality assurance—leaving beneficiaries dissatisfied.
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With mounting public criticism, all eyes are now on the Education Department and the state government to see whether corrective action will be taken and whether next year’s students will receive better-quality uniforms on time.
