Bengaluru: Lokayukta has ordered a preliminary investigation into allegations that poor-quality shoes supplied to govt schoolchildren in 16 districts were getting damaged within days, with stitching reportedly coming apart within minutes of use.Upalokayukta Justice B Veerappa took suo motu cognisance of media reports about the alleged poor quality of the footwear. Complaints have been registered against the concerned deputy directors of the school education department and block education officers in the districts under the jurisdiction of Upalokayukta-2. The districts include Ballari, Bagalkote, Bengaluru Rural, Bidar, Haveri, Belagavi, Mandya, Dakshina Kannada, Davanagere, Kalaburagi, Tumakuru, Udupi, Vijayanagar, Raichur, Koppal and Kolar.Lokayukta police superintendents have been directed to examine relevant documents and materials, inspect the shoes supplied to students, conduct a preliminary investigation and submit a report within two weeks.The order also noted possible violations concerning children’s right to education under Article 21A of the Constitution.
