Himachal Pradesh makes dress code mandatory for teachers across 148 govt CBSE schools

Himachal Pradesh has made a prescribed dress code mandatory for teachers across 148 government CBSE schools to promote a more organized and professional learning environment, with the rules covering principals and outsourced teaching staff.

A notice dated said the dress code was formulated "keeping in view the professional requirements of the teaching profession, uniformity in appearance and the climatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh."

The prescribed color palette includes light lilac, lilac purple and navy blue, while black has been specified for footwear and other designated accessories.

Female teachers have been given three dress options under the new guidelines. They can wear a saree with a blazer, a kurta/kameez with pants, a plazo or salwar with a blazer, or a shirt and blazer with pants and a tie.

Male teachers, meanwhile, have one prescribed formal combination consisting of a shirt with a tie, pants and a blazer.

The dress code is mandatory for all teachers, including principals, regardless of how they were recruited or engaged. It will also apply to teachers whose services are currently being availed on an outsourced basis.

According to the notice, the requirement will apply without exception based on the mode of appointment or engagement.

However, reasonable adjustments may be permitted in cases involving medical necessity, disability or pregnancy, subject to approval from the head of the institution.

The state government is also planning to open 100 new CBSE schools from the coming academic session. Around 2,000 teaching posts in CBSE schools have already been filled.

Along with the dress code, Himachal Pradesh is introducing a system to record teachers' attendance three times a day as part of measures to strengthen accountability in schools.

Director of School Education Ashish Kohli said the reforms had brought a positive change to the education sector by placing greater emphasis on quality education, equal opportunities, accountability and student-centered learning.

He added that the reforms had made Himachal Pradesh a role model for education reforms.