The Maharashtra government has introduced a dress code for teachers, prohibiting the wearing of jeans and t-shirts and instead recommending attire like salwar or churidar for female teachers.

The Government Resolution (GR), issued by the school education department on Friday, asks teachers to be cautious of what they wear as school-going children are impressionable and inappropriate clothes on teachers can have an adverse impact, the notification said.

The Maharashtra government recently introduced a dress code for school teachers, marking a significant change. The guidelines specify that teachers should avoid wearing jeans, t-shirts, dark-colored attire, or clothes with bold designs or prints. Female teachers are encouraged to wear salwar or churidar with a kurta and dupatta or a saree, while male teachers are advised to wear shirts and trousers with the shirt tucked in.

The Government Resolution (GR) issued by the school education department emphasizes the importance of teachers' attire, stating that it can influence the impressionable minds of school children. The GR outlines nine specific points regarding the dress code, applicable to all schools, regardless of their public or private affiliation.

While the government aims to promote a professional appearance among teachers for a positive impact, some educators and educationists have criticized the move, questioning its necessity and intent. They argue that teachers and schools already prioritize dressing appropriately without external mandates.

A senior official from the department clarified that these guidelines are not mandatory but rather suggestive. There are no immediate plans to take action against non-compliance.

Additionally, the state's school education department has decided to introduce a prefix "Tr" before teachers' names, similar to "Dr" for doctors and "Adv" for lawyers. This initiative aims to enhance teachers' recognition and morale, with the Commissionerate for school education working on finalizing a corresponding sign and ensuring adequate publicity for the same.