Uniform mandate at Jamshedpur Women’s University sparks controversy

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, August 31: Jamshedpur Women’s University has introduced a new uniform policy for all students, including those in UG, PG, and vocational courses, which previously only applied to intermediate students. The move has caused considerable concern among students due to the strict dress code and associated costs. Under the new regulations, students are required to purchase and have their uniforms stitched exclusively from designated tailors and shops, leading to increased expenses. A stall run by an approved tailor has been set up on the Bistupur campus to handle measurements and uniform preparation. Students must present a payment receipt to gain entry to the campus, with those lacking it facing either denial of entry or pressure to conform.

The uniform pricing has also changed significantly. Previously, intermediate students paid Rs 880 for a salwar kameez and Rs 500 for a coat, totalling Rs 1380. For shirt-pant combinations, the cost was Rs 1100, rising to Rs 1600 with a coat. The new rates are Rs 1820 for a complete uniform set for intermediate and UG students, while the cost for a salwar suit with a coat has increased to Rs 1405.

The new dress code is specific to various courses. For UG and PG BSc students, the uniform includes navy blue pants and salwar with a navy blue jacket, sky blue skirt and kurti with white stripes, and a navy blue blazer and dupatta. MSc students will wear dark grey pants and salwar with a dark grey jacket, a white skirt and kurti, a navy blue blazer, and a dark grey dupatta. BA and MA students are required to wear maroon pants and salwar with a maroon jacket, a light pink skirt and kurti with a maroon stripe, and a navy blue blazer with a maroon or dark grey dupatta. For BCom and MCom students, the uniform includes maroon or navy blue pants and salwar with a navy blue blazer and a sky blue or white skirt and kurti.

Vocational courses have their own specific requirements, with varying colours and styles such as navy blue, grey, light pink, and dark brown pants and sarees, each accompanied by specific blazers. The university’s decision has caused discontent among students due to the unexpected costs and the lack of flexibility in uniform procurement. Attempts to address these concerns with DSW Chief Dr. Kishwar Ara have so far been unsuccessful.