Violating Dress Code May Lead To Suspension of Teachers in Assam

Digital Desk: Assam School Education Department has issued a notification for the school teachers to address the non-compliance of the dress code for teachers. Meanwhile, the ongoing budget session of Assam witnessed a heated debate between Akhil Gogoi and Education Minister Ronuj Pegu over the “Adarsh School” scheme.

 

The new notification has come after several reports of violation came to the notice of the department. As per the report, “several female teachers reported complaints about the violation of dress codes inside school premises by head teachers.” 

 

The notification further said that the violation of the order would lead to strict actions and warned head teachers to follow the guidelines. The female teachers are encourage to report to School Inspectors on violations of Dress code. It also warns about suspension and other strict action on non-compliance of the guidelines. 

 

Last year in August, the School Education Department of Assam issued a notification for teacher’s dress code. The notification was a detailed explanation of what dresses were acceptable and which were not. 

 

The August guideline encourages female teachers to wear clothes such as saris, kurtas, and Mekhela Chadors, while male teachers are advised to wear formal shirts and pants. They are advised not to wear informal or party clothes during school hours.

 

According to a PRS India report, “Education: Assam has allocated 16.8% of its expenditure on education in 2023-24. This is higher than the average allocation for education by states in 2022-23 (14.8%).” However, it is a matter of concern whether increasing only the expenditure and guidelines would lead to a better education system in the state. 

 

It may be mentioned that teachers from all over the state had mixed reactions to the dress code.  Some of them welcomed it saying it would increase professionalism on the campuses, and some opposed terming the code against freedom of expression.