Hyderabad: A new school uniform policy introduced by the Telangana State School Education Department (TGSED) has stirred controversy among students, especially boys. As part of the government’s plan to improve the image of government schools and make them similar to private, English medium institutions, new uniforms were designed for students from primary school to class X.
The department hired a consultant to create four different uniform styles for boys and girls. When the uniforms were distributed, boys in classes VI and VII were surprised and upset to find they had to wear shirts and knickers, a style more commonly seen in younger children or private schools.
Many students expressed discomfort. A teacher told The Hans India, “The boys feel embarrassed wearing knickers at their age, while the girls are satisfied with their uniforms.” A headmaster from Malkajgiri added, “Today’s children are more aware and sensitive. These boys feel they’ve outgrown such clothing and wearing it makes them feel uncomfortable in class.”
School staff are unsure how to handle the situation, which they’ve started calling the “knicker row.” Teachers worry that the boys see this as a matter of personal dignity and that some may even consider leaving government schools for private ones. This could lead to more dropouts and weaken the government’s efforts to improve public education.
