Surat, May 12 — In a progressive step toward strengthening educational support for underprivileged and middle-class students, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has extended its free education and uniform scheme—previously limited to students up to Class 9—through Class 12. As per agency report, this expansion will now provide students of Classes 10, 11, and 12 with two regular uniforms, one sports uniform, shoes, and socks at no cost.
The SMC’s Primary Education Committee is already the only municipal body in the country offering education up to Class 12 entirely through its own resources. This unique initiative, implemented through the "Suman Schools," has enabled thousands of students to achieve academic excellence in board examinations.
According to Standing Committee Chairman Rajan Patel, the committee currently provides multi-language education up to Class 9. With the latest expansion, an additional 16,000 students from higher secondary classes will receive the full uniform set. The estimated cost of this new initiative is expected to exceed Rs. 8 crore, which will be fully funded by the SMC without any financial assistance from the state government.
So far, the corporation has already spent over Rs. 35 crore on the uniform scheme alone. This continued investment underscores SMC’s strong commitment to education and equitable access for all students, regardless of socio-economic background.
The initiative is seen not only as a boost to educational accessibility but also as a significant contribution to fostering students’ dignity, confidence, and social inclusion. The program has been widely praised and is expected to serve as a model for other municipal corporations across India to emulate.
