Lucknow: After announcing mandatory uniforms for students in state-run universities and colleges in Uttar Pradesh, Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyaya on Friday stated that the implementation will be carried out in a phased manner. The decision to introduce a dress code was taken on the directions of Chancellor and Governor Anandiben Patel, Upadhyaya said.
Phased Implementation
In the first phase, the dress code will be introduced only in colleges, including government, government-aided, and self-finance institutions, the minister told TOI. He added that state-run universities would be covered in the second phase. All institutions will be free to decide the color of the uniforms, the minister said.
Inclusion of Private Universities
Upadhyaya mentioned that he will meet representatives of private universities to convince them to introduce a dress code in their institutions as well. The idea behind the dress code is to promote a sense of equality and discipline among students, he explained.
Promoting Equality and Discipline
According to the minister, the student community in universities and colleges forms a homogeneous group in which no form of discrimination or social hierarchy should be visible. “Differences in attire often reflect social and economic inequalities, which can create feelings of inferiority among some students and superiority among others,” he said.
Upadhyaya reiterated that the dress code will ensure that all students study in an equal environment. He stressed that the government’s objective is not limited to improving academic quality alone, but also to creating a positive, disciplined, and value-based atmosphere in educational institutions.
Reactions from University Officials
Welcoming the dress code, Vice-Chancellor of DDU University Gorakhpur, Prof Poonam Tandon, said, “A uniform dress code across institutions will promote discipline, equality, a sense of identity, and a more academic environment among students.”
APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University Vice-Chancellor Prof JP Pandey said there is no harm in introducing a dress code in higher learning institutions. “It will end the divide between rich and poor. Also, any student wearing the uniform will be caught if he/she remains at public places during the study hours,” he said.
