The Jabalpur High Court has imposed an interim stay on the Madhya Pradesh government’s proposed purchase of school uniforms worth around ₹350 crore for students of government schools.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Pradeep Mittal has sought a response from the state government within a week. The uniform procurement process had been initiated through an open tender issued by the Madhya Pradesh Textbook Corporation.

Three Organisations Challenge Tender

The case was brought before the High Court by three organisations, including the Minority Backward Class Powerloom Weavers’ Association.

The petitioners argued that the procurement process initiated by the Textbook Corporation was in violation of the Madhya Pradesh Store Purchase Rules, 2023.

According to the petitioners, the tender process could adversely affect the livelihood of around 2 lakh families associated with the state’s powerloom and spinning mill sector.

Rules Provide for Direct Procurement

The petitioners have referred to provisions under the Madhya Pradesh Store Purchase Rules, 2023, which provide for direct procurement from eligible state undertakings and local producer groups in specified categories.

The rules also provide for procurement of cloth and related products from handloom weavers, cooperative societies, women’s self-help groups and local cooperative institutions.

The organisations have argued that these provisions should be followed while purchasing uniforms for government school students.

₹350 Crore Procurement on Hold

The proposed uniform procurement, estimated at ₹350 crore, has now been put on hold temporarily following the High Court’s interim order.

The court has asked the state government to submit its response within one week. Further proceedings will determine whether the procurement process can continue in its existing form or whether changes will be required.

Livelihood Concern for Weaver Families

The dispute has brought the livelihood of thousands of workers in Madhya Pradesh’s textile and weaving sector into focus.

The organisations challenging the tender have claimed that procurement from local weavers, cooperatives and other eligible groups is important for sustaining employment in the sector.

They have also argued that government procurement can provide a stable market for locally produced textiles and support families dependent on traditional and powerloom-based work.

Court’s Interim Order

For now, the ₹350-crore uniform procurement process remains under an interim stay.

The state government’s response is expected to clarify its position on the tender and the applicability of the 2023 Store Purchase Rules.

The High Court’s next proceedings will be closely watched by both the government and the organisations representing weavers and local producers, particularly because of the potential impact of the procurement decision on the state’s textile sector.