Now, teachers in Orissa to come in uniforms

Minati Singha | TNN

Bhubaneswar: From now on, teachers will also come to schools in uniforms. The state government has introduced a dress code for teachers of Class I to VIII in the municipal areas of Bhubaneswar, Berhampur and Cuttack on a pilot basis from August 15.

The proposed dress code for women teachers is pink sari with black blouse, while male teachers would wear light blue shirts and black pants. The government feels that it would inculcate discipline and professionalism among teachers and help curb absenteeism among them.

School and mass education minister Pratap Jena said, “We are not ordering the teachers but requesting them to come in uniform as it would improve the school ambience and they will also feel good. We have decided to introduce it in urban areas first and, after receiving the response, it will be implemented across the state.’’

Initially, about 10,000 teachers in three municipal areas would come in uniforms. “We discussed the idea with teachers’ associations and they are happy. They gave us the colour plans,’’ commissioner-cum-secretary, school and mass education department, Aparajita Sarangi, said. Teachers have welcomed the move. “We will look more dignified in uniform. It will increase our self-esteem,’’ Anadi Charan Das said. “Children will respect teachers in uniform more. It would give the impression of authority and students are less likely to disobey a person in uniform,’’ a parent, Sanjukta Pati, said.