Uttar Pradesh Governor pushes for dress code across all HEIs

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has directed all state universities and colleges to implement a uniform dress code for students. The Governor has asked institutions to decide the colour and design of students’ uniforms and ensure compliance with the new directives.

While talking about the new rule, the Uttar Pradesh Governor highlighted that uniform dress codes are only followed in several women’s colleges and self-financed courses across the state, while the students of state universities and degree colleges dress casually.

Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said the proposed dress code aims to promote equality, discipline, and social harmony across educational institutions. He added that differences in clothing often reflect social and economic inequality among students, creating feelings of inferiority and superiority. According to the minister, implementing a uniform dress code will help create a positive, disciplined, and value-oriented academic environment while encouraging students to focus more on education and personality development.

The new directive was announced in a review meeting held at Raj Bhavan regarding government and aided colleges affiliated with Jananayak Chandrashekhar University.

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Special committee in all HEIs

The Governor also talked about the recent Lucknow University’s paper leak case involving the alleged harassment of a female student.

Recently, LU has constituted a three-member disciplinary committee against the university’s assistant professor from the zoology department, Paramjeet Singh, after an internal committee found his conduct "inappropriate, unethical, and extremely serious."

The state’s governor advised teachers to stay away from malicious acts that can tarnish their reputation and teaching profession, and further insisted on taking timely classes and ensuring students' presence.

Notably, a special committee will be set up in all HEIs in the state for students to communicate their concerns and file complaints without any apprehension. ANI reports that a student from LU said the new uniform dress code directive will bring uniformity among students of the university.

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Launch short-term vocational courses: UP Governor

UP colleges have been directed to launch short-term vocational courses to assist female students and encourage employment.

The courses on offer include GST and Accountancy, Beautician and Mehendi, Bindi manufacturing, and millet-based food preparation. The Governor also emphasised promoting the digitisation of rare books and use of digital platforms such as the INFLIBNET Centre.