The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an advisory to the heads of all CBSE affiliated schools on use of leather shoes and accessories as part of the school uniforms.
The advisory issued by CBSE deputy secretary UC Bodhi states that all schools should be encouraged to consider the eco-friendly option of canvas shoes which are more resistant to wear and tear, more comfortable and relatively inexpensive.
The advisory states, “Protection of the environment needs to be practiced as much as it is preached. There is no dispute that leather comes at a huge environmental and animal welfare cost. The production of leather from animals involves highly toxic chemicals and use of which can be reduced sizably if the usage of leather shoes is not made mandatory by schools. Therefore, all schools should be encouraged to consider the eco-friendly option of canvas shoes. Canvas shoes are anyway prescribed for sports purposes and can easily be used for everyday wear eliminating the need for maintaining multiple pairs. Considering the concerns and to reduce the environmental impact caused by school uniforms, this may be considered as a tangible step forward.”
Animal Welfare Board of India co-opted member and PFA Uttarakhand member secretary Gauri Maulekhi said that animal welfare groups had been trying to facilitate this development for a long time. “It is imperative to stop using a product of cruelty that is a proven environmental hazard as well. It had to start somewhere. We are hoping now that the Indian army too switches to more comfortable and longer lasting materials rather than animal hide,” she said.