SAD on Friday urged Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh not to resort to centralized purchase of uniform for students as it would result in inordinate delays, mismatch of uniform of different schools, faulty distribution of uniforms and unnecessary burden on general category students.
Former Education Minister and SAD senior vice-president Daljit Singh Cheema said that centralized tendering by the Education Department defeat the very purpose of providing uniforms.
Cheema sought to abandon proposed new centralized system and revert to the old one of letting the school management arrange for students and release funds immediately which would ensure early timely and smooth supply without any hiccups.
Under the scheme, 12 lakh students are to be provided uniforms at the rate of Rs 600 per students, involving the total cost of about Rs 72 crore.
Cheema also reminded the Chief Minister that the distribution of uniform has already been delayed this year as the academic session is almost over. Also, the local procurement would provide work to thousands of small times tailors, Cheema added.