In Orissa, teachers can no longer wear what they feel they should. [Link]
The Orissa government in September asked teachers of some state-run and aided high schools to adhere to a uniform attire. This decision came after the dress code in colleges across the state had already been introduced. And the importance of such a decision according to Balmiki Pradhan, circle inspector of schools, Ganjam, is that "it's necessary to maintain discipline in schools and ensure a character." [Link]
Director of secondary education, Debendra Mishra, said educational premises having primary, middle and high schools would soon be accorded status of a school complex and "special emphasis would be given on such school complexes." Therefore, teachers working only in school complexes would be asked to maintain uniform dress.
The dress code for teachers would be introduced in 1,440 of the total 7,200 high schools in the state. A notification in this regard could be issued on or before Teachers Day on September 5. Each school complex would decide the colour and type of dress for its teachers.
The government will not force any particular dress on teachers. Women may wear saree or salwar kameez of their choice. Similarly, teachers wearing dhoti and kurta would also be allowed to do so. But all dresses would have to be of one colour.
