UT flip-flop on ‘dress code’ for government schoolteachers

The UT Education Department today issued directions for the implementation of a ‘dress code’ for teachers and principals in government schools, but declared the orders ‘null and void’ hours later.

The District Nodal Officer maintained that the revised instructions regarding the ‘dress code’ will be shared shortly. As per the first order by the District Education Officer, “The dress code has been finalised and all teachers are to wear the uniform once a week, preferably on Monday and special days in school.”

“The uniform specifications of the dress outlines that female employees will wear sarees, salwar-kameez, while male employees will wear formal shirts and trousers. This change is aimed at unifying the appearance of educators, fostering a sense of professionalism, and creating an environment conducive to learning. For female teachers, uniform is decided as off-white ladies shirt and a golden/beige lower (salwar or pant) or off-white saree with beige or gold border. For male teachers, the uniform will be formal white shirt and navy blue trousers,” the order added.

However, at 5.20pm, the nodal officer said the earlier order stands ‘null and void’. “This is in reference to letter dated June 30 regarding the dress code for government school staff. Please note that the said letter stands null and void, and the revised instructions regarding the same will be shared shortly,” read the mail issued to heads of government schools.

The order was withdrawn after staff, especially women teachers, reportedly raised objection to the colour of the dress. Highly placed sources confirmed that the department is likely to change the colour from off-white to cream for female staff. However, no confirmation was received from the department.

In April, the department had introduced a ‘dress code’ for teachers—making Chandigarh the first city in the country to implement uniform for school teachers. The initiative, taken by the Education Department on the advice of UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, was first introduced at the PM Shri Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 14, Dhanas.

In January, the Administrator had proposed the introduction of uniform for teachers. Since then the matter has received a mixed response from teachers at government schools.