Chandigarh: The Chandigarh education department has once again postponed its decision to implement a common dress code for all government school staff, after facing growing resistance from teachers.The uniform blue shirt, grey trousers, and a was initially to be enforced from July 1, then shifted to July 21. Now, the department says it has deferred the move to August 14, citing requests from teachers for more time to get the uniform stitched.“We received several representations from teachers asking for an extension. Many said they haven’t yet arranged the uniform. So we’ve postponed it for now,” said an official from the department.Earlier this week, some teachers under the Joint Action Committee of Govt Teachers gathered outside the District Education Officer’s office in protest. They had called for the decision to be reviewed, arguing that such a move should not be enforced without proper consultation.“We’ve conveyed our concerns respectfully. Teachers should be recognised for their work, not their attire,” said a union leader.Officials maintain that the dress code was meant to promote discipline and a sense of unity among staff. However, critics within the teaching community say the department should prioritise filling vacancies and improving infrastructure over wardrobe changes.Though the policy hasn’t been rolled back officially, with protests gathering pace and stitching still incomplete, both literally and politically, the uniform drive may stay off the timetable a little longer.
