On March 15, 2024, the Maharashtra State Government brought out a Government Resolution (GR) on the ‘dress code of teachers’. As per this GR, it is recommended that female teachers wear sarees or kurtas, while male teachers wear shirts and trousers. This dress code applies to all schools in the state, regardless of whether they are government or private. The school education department, in issuing these guidelines, has granted educational institutions the authority to determine the specific colours teachers can wear in classrooms. Another guideline highlighted is the introduction of the prefix “Tr” for teachers, similar to “Dr” for doctors and “Adv” for lawyers.
As part of this endeavour, we are pleased to present below the view of Ms. Jeyaseeli Karunakari, Principal, STEM School, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
Dear Brainfeed Team,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share my thoughts on the recent dress code mandate for teachers by the Maharashtra State Government.
While I appreciate the intent behind establishing a dress code to foster professionalism and unity among teachers, I believe there are concerns regarding gender equality and individual expression. It’s crucial to consider the comfort of female teachers in their workplace attire, as they need to move and work comfortably throughout the day.
Furthermore, decisions regarding dress codes are often made by male higher authorities, and it’s essential to ensure that the guidelines allow for modern yet modest attire for female teachers, respecting their dignity and freedom of expression.
I urge a balanced and inclusive approach, involving dialogue with teachers and stakeholders to refine the dress code guidelines. This will ensure they reflect principles of inclusivity, respect, and professionalism.
Thank you for considering my perspective. Attached is my high-resolution photograph as requested.
Warm regards,
Ms. Jeyaseeli Karunakari
Principal, STEM School, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.