AI SummaryPunjab Cabinet Approved Free School Uniform Scheme for 15.49 Lakh Government School Students | Punjab Govt School Uniform Scheme Eligibility | Class 1st to 8th Free Uniform Scheme
Punjab government approved the Free School Uniform Scheme in its cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Under this scheme, the state government distributed free uniforms to around 15.49 lakh government school students of Class 1 to 8 for the academic session 2022-23. The decision was announced by the then Education Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on 19th May 2022.
Scheme has been closed or it was a one time scheme which has been closed by the government.
About Punjab Government Free School Uniform Scheme
Punjab Government Free School Uniform Scheme was started to make sure that students studying in government schools get proper uniforms without any cost. Free school uniforms were distributed among the 15,49,192 students who were enrolled in government schools during the 2022-23 academic session. School Education Department of Punjab ran the distribution drive through school management committees (SMCs).
Punjab Govt School Uniform Scheme Apply Online
This scheme was run through schools, so there was no separate apply online process for students. Parents and students did not have to fill any online application form. School management committees identified the eligible students from the school records and arranged uniforms for them at the rate of Rs 600 per student.
No fresh notification or online application process for a new phase of this scheme has been issued for the academic year 2026-27. Official updates, if any, are published on the official website of Department of School Education, Punjab at ssapunjab.org. Students can also check the ePunjab Schools portal at epunjabschool.gov.in for school related information.
Punjab Government School Uniform Scheme Eligibility
Students had to meet the following conditions to get the benefit of Punjab Government School Uniform Scheme:-
- The student had to be a permanent resident of Punjab.
- The student had to be enrolled as a regular student in a government school of the state.
- The student had to be studying in any class from Class 1 to Class 8 in the 2022-23 academic session.
Students of Class 9 to 12 were not covered in this phase of the scheme. The government had not confirmed any next phase for free school uniforms to senior classes.
Details of Punjab Free School Uniform Scheme Beneficiaries
A total grant of Rs 92.95 crore was released by the education department for the scheme. The allocation was divided among girl students, boys under the SC category and boys under the BPL category as given below.
- Rs 50.72 crore was used for free uniforms of 8,45,429 girl students in government schools.
- Rs 32.75 crore was kept for uniforms of 5,45,993 boys belonging to the SC category.
- Rs 9.46 crore was used for uniforms of 1,57,770 boys belonging to the BPL (below poverty line) category.
The distribution of uniforms was managed by school management committees (SMCs).
| Category | No of Students | Budget Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Girl Students | 8,45,429 | Rs 50.72 crore |
| Boys under SC Category | 5,45,993 | Rs 32.75 crore |
| Boys under BPL Category | 1,57,770 | Rs 9.46 crore |
As per the press release of the School Education Department, school management committees were given Rs 600 per student to purchase uniforms. The then education minister also directed SMCs not to purchase uniforms from any particular shop or brand.
In 2026, education portfolio of Punjab is handled by Harjot Singh Bains, while Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, who announced this scheme, is now a Member of Parliament. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann continues to lead the state government.
Source / Reference Link: Punjab Govt to Distribute Free School Uniforms among 15.49 Lakh Students