Soon, students studying in colleges and universities across Uttar Pradesh may have to report to classes in uniforms as a part of a mammoth drive for enhancing discipline and providing a uniform academic ambiance in the colleges.
Governor and Chancellor of state universities Anandiben Patel gave the instruction during a review meeting at Raj Bhavan with the officials of government and aided colleges under Jannayak Chandrashekhar University.
Currently, uniform is compulsory in only a few Colleges for women and in some self-financed courses; most Government Colleges do not require students to wear uniforms. The new plan will allow every university and college to choose the uniform’s design, the colour pattern, and implementation schedule.
The change will be done to make students feel equal, provide better discipline and make the learning environment more focused, officials said. Institutions have also been asked to develop a comprehensive plan on dress code and enforcement.
The Governor also discussed some issues related to discipline and ethics in academic institutions in the wake of recent controversies including alleged harassment and leak of examination papers from a faculty member at the University of Lucknow during the meeting.
Anandiben Patel emphasized that teachers need to maintain the dignity of their profession and keep classes on track, regular and punctual students attendance. Her words reflected the “accountability reform discipline” that the administration has been pressing in the higher education system.
The proposed uniform policy will affect thousands of students studying in the state colleges and colleges offering degrees in Uttar Pradesh.