(a) whether the Government is aware of any State Government providing free books and uniforms to
the school students in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Union Government has considered providing free books and uniforms to students in
schools run by institutions under its purview; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI UPENDRA KUSHWAHA)
(a) : 12 States and UTs viz. Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli,
Delhi, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and
West Bengal are providing free books at elementary level (ie. Class I to VIII) whereas 9 States and
UTs viz. Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Delhi, Gujarat,
Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu are providing free uniform to students at
elementary level. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) framework for financial norms stipulates that
States and UTs would need to maintain their investment in elementary education at the same level as
in 1999-2000 i.e prior to launch of SSA. The above mentioned States and UTs already funded for
textbook and uniform prior to launch of SSA. However, under SSA, above mentioned States are
getting Central grant for various other interventions.
(b) & (c): The Central Government through its flagship programme of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
(SSA) supports the States and UTs for universalization of elementary education across the country.
The SSA norms provide for two sets of uniforms for all girls, and children belonging to SC/ST/BPL
families in Government schools within a ceiling of Rs. 400/- per child per annum. Further, under the
SSA, textbooks are provided to all children in Government/Local Body and Government aided
schools, including Madarsas desirous of introducing the State curriculum, within an upper ceiling of
Rs. 150/-per child at primary level and Rs. 250/- per child at upper primary level.
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