Assam: Formal dress code for teachers in institutes introduced by Higher Education Department

Digital Desk: The Department of Higher Education in Assam implemented a dress code for professors in higher educational institutions to foster professionalism and uphold a sense of decorum. 

The instruction is being issued as the department works to uphold among educators when they are on duty a standard of modesty, decency, and seriousness.

The Department of Higher Education has ordered that professors refrain from donning showy or informal apparel while on the job in recognition of the significant role they play in influencing students' lives and perspectives. Instead, teachers are encouraged to dress professionally by choosing neat, modest, and decent outfits in muted colours.

Concerns that some educators were dressing in a way that might not be in line with what the general public and the educational environment expected led to the decision to enact a dress code. A departmental announcement emphasises the crucial position teachers play in forming students' brains and stresses the need for them to be role models for moral behaviour.

"Since a teacher is expected to be an example of decency, especially while discharging their duties, it has become necessary to follow a dress code that should reflect a sense of decorum, decency, professionalism, and seriousness of purpose at the workplace," the announcement reads.

The clothing code establishes certain requirements for both male and female teachers. Male teachers must wear proper formal clothes, which may include formal shirts with trousers or traditional attire such as dhoti-pyjama. Female teachers, on the other hand, are urged to wear appropriate salwar suits, sarees, mekhela chadors, and other traditional attire.