As a result of the Indian Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) requesting that schools not include leather shoes as a mandatory part of school uniforms, the leather industry is rallying to have the CBSE modify its advisory. The CBSE details how leather is a product linked to poor animal welfare and environment issues, and asks schools to use environmentally-conscious shoes.
"They are saying this because leather shoes contain chrome, which is known to cause irritation of the skin," said Rafeeque Ahmed, chairman of shoe manufacturer Farida Group, to the Times of India. "But it is wrong to say that leather shoes must not be used. Instead, they should say that shoes not containing chrome can be used. We will be writing to the CBSE telling them it is wrong to give such an advisory."
