India, June 1 -- The school education department on May 29 introduced significant reforms to the 'free school uniform scheme' from the academic year 2026-27, aimed at improving the quality of uniforms, ensuring timely distribution, and strengthening local participation through women's self-help groups (SHGs).

As per the reforms, the scheme will continue to be implemented through school management committees (SMCs) even as several new measures have been introduced to improve accountability and quality. District-level implementation will be monitored under the supervision of district collectors, chief executive officers of zilla parishads, police superintendents, and education officials to ensure that all eligible students receive uniforms...