Assam government announces new dress code for teachers; t-shirts, jeans not allowed

No T-shirts, Jeans And Leggings Allowed For Teachers In Assam's Educational Institutions

The Assam government has recently announced a new dress code for teachers of higher educational institutes in the state. According to the notification issued by the Higher Education Department on August 14, 2023, teachers are not allowed to wear casual clothing such as T-shirts, jeans, and leggings while on duty. Instead, they are expected to wear formal and traditional attire that reflects a sense of decorum, decency, professionalism, and seriousness of purpose at the workplace.

Why the new dress code?

The notification stated that the new dress code was introduced because some teachers were found in the habit of wearing the dress of their choice which sometimes did not appear to be acceptable by the public at large. The government said that since teachers are supposed to be an example of all sorts of decency, especially while performing their duties, it is necessary to follow a dress code that should convey a sense of decorum, decency, professionalism, and seriousness of purpose at work.

The notification also mentioned that the new dress code aims to promote a positive image of the teachers and the educational institutions in the society and to enhance the respect and dignity of the teaching profession.

What are the details of the new dress code?

According to the notification, the new dress code for teachers is as follows:

- Male teachers should attend their duties in appropriate formal attire, such as formal shirts, trousers, dhoti, and pyjamas and not in casual attire such as a polo t-shirt, and denim jeans, among others.

- Female teachers should attend their duties in a decent salwar suit/ saree/ mekhela-chador and other traditional attire and not in casual attire such as t-shirts, jeans, and leggings, among others.

- Both male and female teachers should be dressed up in clean, modest and decent clothes in sober colours, which should not look flashy. They were asked to avoid casual and party apparel.

The notification also stated that any violation of the dress code would be viewed seriously and appropriate action would be taken against the defaulters.

How has the new dress code been received?

The new dress code has received mixed reactions from different quarters. Some have welcomed the move as a step towards maintaining discipline and decorum in the educational institutions. They have argued that teachers should dress appropriately as they are role models for the students and the society. They have also said that wearing formal and traditional clothes would enhance the respect and dignity of the teachers and the teaching profession.

However, some have criticized the move as an infringement on the personal choice and freedom of expression of the teachers. They have questioned the logic and necessity of imposing such a dress code on teachers who are already qualified and competent professionals. They have also pointed out that there is no clear definition of what constitutes acceptable or unacceptable clothing

Source: 

(1) No T-shirts, Jeans And Leggings Allowed In Assam's Educational Institutions. https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/no-t-shirts-jeans-and-leggings-allowed-in-assams-educational-institutions.

(2) No t-shirts, jeans allowed: Assam's new dress code for teachers. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/no-t-shirts-jeans-allowed-assams-new-dress-code-for-teachers/ar-AA1fzyWp.

(3) No t-shirts, jeans allowed: Assam's new dress code for teachers. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/assam-notification-for-dress-code-in-educational-institutions-2424483-2023-08-21.

FAQ's

What is the dress code for teachers in Assam?

Male teachers should attend their duties in appropriate Formal Attire only (Formal Shirt-Pant and not Casual Attire such as T-Shirt, Jeans etc.). Female teachers should attend their duties in decent Salwar Suit/Saree/Mekhela Chador and not Casual Attire such as T-Shirt, Jeans, Leggings etc.

What is teacher dress code?

The majority of school policies explain that staff should wear “smart business dress” or “professional attire”. This will often involve wearing smart suits or separate jacket/trouser/skirt combinations with formal footwear. Men may also be required to wear a tie or to wear jackets when outside the classroom.

What is the Right to Education Act 2009 in Assam?

Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. ( Where a child above six years of age has not been admitted in any school or though admitted, could not complete his or her elementary education, then, he or she shall be admitted in a class appropriate to his or her age.

टीचर ड्रेस कोड क्या है?

अधिकांश स्कूल नीतियां बताती हैं कि कर्मचारियों को " स्मार्ट बिजनेस ड्रेस " या "पेशेवर पोशाक" पहननी चाहिए। इसमें अक्सर औपचारिक जूते के साथ स्मार्ट सूट या अलग जैकेट/पतलून/स्कर्ट संयोजन पहनना शामिल होगा। पुरुषों को भी कक्षा से बाहर टाई पहनने या जैकेट पहनने की आवश्यकता हो सकती है।