Rajasthan is thinking about making a dress code for school teachers, similar to what Maharashtra and Assam have done. A senior official from the education department announced this on Saturday. Education minister Madan Dilawar wants teachers to wear uniforms to create a positive atmosphere for students, which helps them learn good values.
Recently, Dilawar caused some uproar when he said that some teachers dress in a way that is inappropriate, and he believes this affects students negatively. He expressed that it’s important for teachers to be role models and presented his ideas at the opening of a new school building in a village on October 16, 2024.
Teachers’ association leader, Vipin Prakash, criticized the minister’s comments as disrespectful, especially towards women teachers. He argued that instead of focusing on teachers’ clothing, the government should fix the many vacancies in schools that are hurting student education.
Dilawar shared his concerns about some teachers arriving at school while under the influence of alcohol and mentioned that it sends the wrong message to students. He indicated that some teachers use mobile phones in class, which distracts students.
An official mentioned that there was a meeting with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma in November 2024 about this dress code. If the new rules are passed, Rajasthan will join Assam and Maharashtra in having a dress code for teachers.
In Assam and Maharashtra, female teachers are required to wear sarees or salwar-kameez, and male teachers must tuck in their shirts. Both states allow schools to choose the colors of their uniforms but recommend lighter shades.
Historically, the previous government in Rajasthan had tried to introduce a dress code for teachers in 2017, but it did not happen. The current government is looking at how Assam and Maharashtra implemented their policies to create a suitable plan for Rajasthan.
The official added that teachers have been seen wearing jeans and T-shirts, which is not appropriate for schools. They believe that uniforms will help bring order and professionalism to the teaching environment. The goal is to make sure teachers understand that schools are serious places where students learn important values.
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