The Punjab government has directed teachers in public sector schools across the province to wear black gowns during school hours while performing academic duties.

A notification issued by the Punjab School Education Department on February 19 stated that the dress code will take effect from February 23. Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of district education authorities have been instructed to ensure implementation across Punjab. 

 

The notification said yuat teaching is a profession that carries responsibility in society and that teachers’ conduct and appearance reflect their role. It added that a defined dress code would promote discipline and uniformity within educational institutions.

 

Under the policy, all teachers, regardless of gender, cadre or posting, will be required to wear a black gown during school hours. The gown must be worn over attire that conforms to cultural and social norms.

Male teachers have been advised to wear shalwar kameez in plain colours or pants and a shirt, along with closed shoes or strapped sandals. Female teachers have been directed to wear suitable attire along with closed shoes or sandals.

 

Heads of institutions have been made responsible for daily compliance, while district-level officers have been directed to monitor enforcement.

The directive drew criticism from the Punjab Teachers Union, with General Secretary Rana Liaqat pointing out that the environment in several areas was not suitable for wearing gowns during school hours. He said many schools lacked basic facilities, including sanitation staff, and questioned how teachers would manage the gowns in such conditions.

He said a gown would cost between Rs3,000 and Rs4,000 and that each teacher would require at least two. He suggested the government direct teachers to wear shalwar kameez with a waistcoat or dress pants with a plain shirt at the primary, middle and high school levels.

Liaqat proposed that gowns could be introduced at colleges and universities instead. He said teachers at lower levels could not afford the additional expense and demanded financial assistance if the policy was to be enforced.

He also said many schools did not have security guards or storage space to keep the gowns and asked who would be responsible if they were lost.