The government is planning to gradually provide free uniforms and shoes to around 1.07 crore government primary school students across the country, said State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj.

He made the announcement at a meeting with leading footwear industry representatives held at the ministry’s conference room here today.

The state minister said a pilot programme is currently being implemented as a 180-day initiative to assess the feasibility of supplying quality uniforms and footwear to students.

Under the pilot phase, the government has already received over 400,000 uniforms with support from leading apparel industry associations, while cooperation from local footwear manufacturers is also being sought.

He said discussions are underway to initially provide white velcro (strapless) sneakers for Grade-I students, taking into account age, sizing variations and gender-specific requirements.

The state minister called on industry stakeholders to submit detailed proposals regarding production costs, delivery timelines and potential contributions to the programme.

He also said the government aims to establish a long-term partnership with the private sector for large-scale supply of footwear in the future.

Hajjaj expressed hope that visible progress of the pilot programme would be presented to the public by August this year, marking an early implementation milestone within the government’s first six months in office.

Officials of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and senior representatives of footwear companies were present at the meeting.