Guwahati: Teachers at Assam's higher educational institutes have been ordered to refrain from wearing casual clothing such as T-shirts, trousers, and leggings while on the job. According to the State government's dress code, such clothes "sometimes do not seem to be acceptable" to the people.
In a statement released on August 14 by the State's Higher Education Department, it was noted that “Some teachers of higher educational institutes are found in the habit of wearing the dress of their choice which sometimes does not appear to be acceptable by the public at large."
The government ordered male teachers to report to work wearing a dhoti-pajama, or appropriate formal shirt and trousers. Female teachers have also been told to report to work wearing "decent" salwar suits, sarees, mekhela chador, and other traditional dress.
According to the notification, both male and female teachers should wear neat, modest, and appropriate clothing in sober colors that don't look showy. They were told to stay away from party and casual attire.
The government said since teachers are required to provide an example of all manners of decency, particularly when performing their jobs, it is important to adhere to a dress code that should convey a sense of decorum, decency, professionalism, and seriousness of purpose at work.
Mixed feelings have been expressed about the dress code.
“It is the right call by the government. I feel that formal attire (be it Western or Indian) looks much smarter than jeans - top. It commands more authority and respect as well,” said Nehal Jain, an educator at Guwahati's Sanskriti The Gurukul school.
“Nowadays jeans and tops are of a dozen different kinds. If allowed, some people might choose to wear crop tops and ripped jeans for all we know. It's best to stick to a formal dress code to avoid such situations,” added Jain.
Mandira Chanda, the principal of South Point School, Guwahati says otherwise.
“There are other important issues that the government should focus on afflicting the teaching community and the education system. Such restrictions are not necessary as what matters is that the teacher is a decent person. Imposing a saree as an obligatory dress code does not ensure decency. People can wear low-cut blouses if they wish, which will spark another issue about indecency," says Chanda.
“Teachers do not go to school wearing indecent attires. They know what they should wear and what they should not,’ added Chanda.
Another teacher requesting anonymity said, “ The government should first define the standards of decency or indecency .”
“ Who decides that jeans and T-shirts are decent or indecent clothing and how is this determined?" she questions.
"I don't think this restriction was necessary," says Mansi Bajoria, who's son is enrolled at St. Josephs Convent High School in Tezpur, Assam.
"I believe that the government authorities took this action because they had information about a teacher violating indecency at a particular school. But these limitations cannot be put in place in the absence of strong justification or numerous complaints."
Richa Singh, whose daughters attend Gwahati's Loretto Engish High School, disputes this. "We are happy the government has passed this regulation. Our initial reaction an generl assessments of someone are influenced by how they are dressed. Additionally, teachers need to dress nicely because it shows their dedication to their line of work," added Singh.
