Supply Delays Leave Karnataka Government School Students Without Essential Notebooks and Footwear
Months into the 2026-27 academic year, thousands of students studying in government schools across Karnataka have yet to receive their government-mandated free notebooks and footwear. Educational advocates and student welfare organisations have expressed growing concern, noting that the prolonged delay in distributing fundamental learning materials is adversely impacting children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
According to education experts and reports from student groups such as the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO), several schools across multiple districts are struggling without official supply consignments. In many rural and semi-urban areas, headmasters and teachers are resorting to seeking sponsorships from local donors, village panchayats, and alumni associations to procure basic exercise books for their pupils. In some instances, educators have reported spending from their personal salaries to ensure students do not fall behind in classroom exercises.
The administrative logjam has drawn criticism from child rights advocates who point out that additional admissions during the ongoing term have compounded shortages. Parents with multiple school-going children have highlighted the financial burden of purchasing notebooks from commercial markets. Education experts have urged the Karnataka Department of School Education and Literacy to expedite procurement logistics immediately to safeguard student learning outcomes.
