Maharashtra urges teachers to adhere to dress code, sparks controversy

Mumbai:

Don’t wear jeans, opt for light-coloured clothes, tuck your shirts into pants – these are some of the guidelines issued to teachers in Maharashtra as part of the government’s drive to enhance professionalism in schools. The Maharashtra government in a resolution asked teachers to dress discreetly as children attending school are susceptible. The guidance also adds that inappropriate attire by teachers may have adverse effects on children.

According to the notice, teachers are not allowed to wear jeans, T-shirts, dark clothing or clothing with patterns or prints. Instead, female teachers are advised to opt for traditional attire such as salwar or churidar paired with kurta and dupatta or saree. Teachers are also required to wear appropriate accessories such as bracelets and earrings.

Male teachers should wear formal attire consisting of a shirt and trousers, with the shirt neatly tucked into the trousers.

This comprehensive nine-point guideline is universally applicable to all schools regardless of their public or private status or affiliation with a board of education.

The move was criticized by teachers and educationists, who questioned the need and intent of such regulations.

A school teacher in Mumbai told The Indian Express: “Teachers have taken care to dress appropriately and schools have discretion in enforcing the dress code. There seems to be no legitimate reason for the state to impose a dress code on teachers.”

Opponents argue that dress codes should remain within the purview of individual schools and teachers, who are better equipped to assess and meet the requirements of their unique contexts.

Even as the debate continues, the Maharashtra government remains firmly committed to standardizing professional attire for school teachers, saying it is a step towards creating a conducive learning environment.