In an unusual step which is also a first, the Maharashtra government has now issued a dress-code for school teachers. Under this code, contained in a recently issued GR, teachers will not be allowed to wear jeans and t-shirts, dark-coloured clothes or designs or prints. The code lays down that female teachers should wear salwar or churidar with kurta and dupatta or a saree, whereas male teachers should wear shirt and trousers, with the shirt tucked-in.
The Government Resolution (GR), was reportedly issued by the school education department on Friday, March 15. The GR asks teachers to be cautious of what they wear as school-going children are impressionable and inappropriate clothes on teachers can have an adverse impact, the notification said.
The GR contains nine-point guidelines regarding dress-code for school teachers, it is applicable to all schools, irrespective of whether they are public or private run and affiliated to the board.
However, the newspaper reports that teachers and educationists, , have criticised the move while questioning the intent. A school teacher from Mumbai said, “Teachers are already conscious of dressing appropriately. Schools, too, are careful in ensuring the same in their own ways. There was absolutely no need for the state to interfere and declare a dress-code for teachers.” According to schools and teachers, it is their individual and local prerogative to decide what to wear.
Quick to respond, a senior official from the department however said, “These are guidelines and should not be considered as mandates. There is no decision yet on taking any action in case of non-compliance.”
Tr. For teachers
Just like “Dr” for doctors, “Adv” For lawyers, teachers will now write “Tr” as a prefix before their name. This decision by state’s school education department is aimed at boosting the morale of teachers by giving them recognition. The Commissionerate for school education is tasked with finalising a sign for the same, along with adequate publicity for it.
Related:
Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority offers assistance to displaced Manipuri students
Recent reports suggest that higher education enrolment in Muslims continues to decline