The University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, has introduced dress code for its students. To begin with, the varsity has prohibited girl students of Home Science from wearing ‘provocative Western clothes.’
According to a circular issued by Dr C S Hunasyala, Dean, Home Science Department, girls students are banned from wearing T-shirt, trousers, midis, skirts or any other Western clothes. Students violating the rule will not be allowed to attend classes.
Now, as many as 400 students have been attending classes in saree or salwar kameez since the time the code came into effect on February 1, 2012.
Cellphones have also been banned on the campus. The faculty have been authorised to seize cellphones in case students are found using them.
“Western outfits worn by girl students provoke boys on the campus. Hence, we decided to introduce the dress code which represents the Indian ethos. The code will be extended to the remaining departments over the course of time,” said Dr R R Hanchinala, Vice-Chancellor.
Dr Hunasyala said the ban on cellphones had put an end to the practice of students sending SMSes while in classrooms. He said students from Manipur and Goa found it difficult to comply with the dress code in the beginning. However, they were given time to get dresses stitched, he said.
The dean said he had an army background and expected ‘military discipline’ among students.
The students, however, had their own take on the new rule.
“We were irritated initially. But with the strict enforcement of the code, we became used to it. With all of us wearing a similar dress, we feel we are all an equal footing. The dress code is a welcome measure,” said Netravati, a final MSc student.
But not all students are of the same view. A student who did not wish to be named said it was wrong to say boys get provoked by the kind of dress girls wear.
“It is right to ban cellphones. But it is not proper to prescribe a dress code in the name of culture. Each individual feels comfortable in particular kind of clothes. Military discipline is quite different from college discipline,” she said.