A heated debate broke out in the Assam Assembly on Monday over the quality of uniforms supplied to students in government schools, with the Opposition questioning both the use of polyester-rich fabric and the allocation of only Rs 600 per student for two sets of uniforms.
Raising the issue during the Assembly session, Congress MLA Dr Asif Mohammad Nazar argued that it is unrealistic to provide two good-quality uniforms within the existing budget. He said most students studying in government schools come from economically weaker families and deserve better-quality clothing.
The Congress legislator also expressed concern over the use of fabric containing 70 per cent polyester, claiming that such material may cause discomfort, excessive sweating and skin-related problems for children in Assam’s hot and humid climate. He urged the government to review both the quality of the fabric and the financial allocation for school uniforms.
Responding to the criticism, Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu said the government had not approved uniforms made entirely of polyester. According to the prescribed standard, the fabric contains at least 30 per cent cotton and up to 70 per cent polyester, a blend that is commonly used in school uniforms across both government and private institutions in India.
The minister questioned the scientific basis of the Opposition’s claims, asking whether any recognised Indian scientist or scientific institution had concluded that a 70:30 polyester-cotton blend is harmful to children. He said government policies should not be criticised based solely on social media discussions or unverified foreign reports.
However, Pegu acknowledged that increasing the cotton content would significantly raise the cost of uniforms. He said the present allocation of Rs 600 per student covers two sets of uniforms, and providing garments with a higher proportion of cotton would require additional budgetary support.
The education minister added that the government would consider revising the fabric specifications if higher funds are approved in the future. He also informed the House that government and private schools in Kamrup district have been temporarily allowed to relax the mandatory uniform rule during periods of extreme heat so that students can attend classes in more comfortable clothing.
Despite the government’s clarification, the Opposition maintained that the core issue is the inadequate financial allocation, arguing that quality uniforms cannot be provided without increasing the budget. The exchange led to a sharp political debate over student welfare and education spending in the Assembly.
