In a positive development, the Vijay Rupani-led Gujarat government has begun the initiative to provide uniforms to 14 lakh Anganwadi students, reports Indian Express.

In this one-of-a-kind intitiave in the country, the state government will initiate a state-wide pre-school uniform distribution programme for students of 53,029 anganwadis across Gujarat.

Under the scheme, each child will be given two sets of uniforms — a grey pinafore skirt for girls and grey shorts for boys, with beige check shirts for both.

Speaking at an event, CM Rupani said, “A section of children attend private pre-primary schools, wear uniforms and feel proud. With a similar objective, the state government decided to give uniform to all Anganwadi children so that even our children should not be left behind, have a distinctive identity and feel confident.”

He also exuded confidence that the state will soon tide over the current pandemic situation to be able to reopen schools and anganwadis.

Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Vibhav-ariben Dave said in her virtual address, “Gujarat is the first state to give uniforms to over 14 lakh anganwadi children at a cost of Rs 36 crore. When private nursery schools can have uniforms, why not anganwadi children? They will look smart in uniforms and also attract other children to the anganwadis.”