Rajasthan Implements Uniform Standardization Across All Schools: Eliminates Ties as "Western Concept"

Private school associations are awaiting a formal government directive on the uniform policy. (Representational)

Jaipur:

Rajasthan's Education Minister Madan Dilawar has announced that all schools across the state, both private and government-run, will soon adopt a standardized uniform policy without ties, which he describes as a Western concept inappropriate for Indian educational settings.

"There is no place for ties in Indian traditional attire," Dilawar stated. "While pants and shirts aren't strictly Indian either, they've gained widespread acceptance in our society," he further explained.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, the minister revealed that this initiative stems from his concern about government school students developing feelings of inferiority when comparing themselves to their private school counterparts.

"Children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds often feel lesser than their peers in private schools, wishing their parents had sufficient means to enroll them in such institutions. To address this inequality, we've decided that from the next academic session, all students regardless of school type will wear identical uniforms, eliminating the division and associated feelings of inferiority," he elaborated.

The minister indicated that an official notification regarding this policy will be issued shortly. Additionally, he mentioned plans to implement mandatory uniforms for teaching staff as well.

Congress representatives, speaking to NDTV, noted that the education minister would need cabinet approval for implementing such a policy. They stated they would reserve their response until a formal order is released.

Private school associations have also indicated they are awaiting official government communication regarding the uniform standardization policy.

Damodar Goyal, legal representative for private school associations in Jaipur, expressed opposition, stating, "We will contest this order in court. Determining appropriate attire for students falls within a school's authority, and the government lacks the jurisdiction to make such requirements mandatory."