The Odisha government has announced that all children enrolled in Shishu Vatikas across the state will receive free uniforms and essential school items to support early childhood education.
According to official sources, 3,10,839 children will be provided with uniforms, shoes, socks, T-shirts, track pants, caps, and identity cards. The Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) has proposed ₹1,000 per child for this initiative and has sought approval from the School and Mass Education Department.
This effort complements the Samagra Shiksha programme, which has already sanctioned ₹600 per student for school uniforms from Class I to VIII, with total government school enrolment reaching 41,31,024 for the academic year 2025–26.
The initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families from economically weaker sections and ensure equitable access to basic school necessities, fostering dignity and inclusion among young learners.
