Jharkhand govt's decision to change school uniforms sparks controversy

State education minister and JMM senior leader Jagarnath Mahto said that the proposal from Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC) had got his nod.

The government’s decision to change the school uniforms of students has sparked controversy in Jharkhand state. The decision has drawn criticism from the opposition. State education minister and JMM senior leader Jagarnath Mahto said that the proposal from Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC) had got his nod.

New uniforms to be introduced in upcoming academic session

Mahto informed that the proposal of changing school uniforms was made by the JEPC and it has received his consent. Since the uniform amount had already been sent for this fiscal (2022-23), the new uniforms would be implemented from the next academic session (2023-24).

Since 2000, this is the third time the state has decided to change school uniforms. Initially, the uniform for all sections, i.e. primary, middle and secondary was white (shirt) and deep blue (pant/pyjama for girls). However in 2015-16, when Raghubar Das-led BJP government came in power, the colour was changed to off-white (shirt) and maroon (pant/pyjama). And now,  the government would be going for a separate colour for primary section and another colour for middle and secondary sections.

According to the new proposal, “The primary section would have pink shirt, navy blue pant (pyjama) and navy blue tie, while the middle and secondary section would have green with white shade shirt and green pant (pyjama). The colour code has been given after a lot of thought as the green colour is soothing to eyes and in sync with our focus for environmental consciousness.

Green and white resembles party flag

Pointing out politics in the move, BJP spokesperson Pratul Sahdeo said, “We would have been happy if the amount spent on the uniforms would have been used to improve the infrastructure of the schools. We all know green and white resemble the party flags of which party in the state and the purpose behind this sudden change of colour is also known to all. However, their game plan of sending a political message would not succeed as people are more aware of their rights and will teach this government, which is more intent on looting mineral resources in the name of protecting jal (water), jungle (forest) and zameen (land), a lesson in the right time.”

INR 600 Crore spent on uniforms

Green with white bow and arrow is the party flag of JMM. The decision would impact nearly 35,000 government schools comprising over 42 lakh students.

According to sources in the state education and literacy department, nearly INR 600 crore is spent annually on two sets of school uniforms, shoes and socks that are given free to students.

Denying any politics behind the decision, the minister said, “Had it been so, we would have picked the same colour for primary school students too.”

Read More:

• Delhi EWS Admissions 2022: Application window closes on June 24