Uncertainty remains over the issue of uniforms in state government-run or aided schools in West Bengal. Many institutions are yet to receive their supplies and many others are yet to hear from the administration about their pleas against implementing a color scheme that is common to all.
Till December 2020, when the uniforms were last issued, schools had assigned self-help groups to stitch them every year. Each student from Nursery to Class 8 got two sets each. However, earlier this year, the state government not only took over the entire process, but also mandated that uniforms in West Bengal be of a single color combination – blue and white – with the Biswa Bangla logo on the pocket. with.
One consequence of the direct involvement of the state government is that many schools have not yet received their uniforms, even as the academic year is nearing its end; And now many schools, especially those run by minority organizations, are opposing the idea of a uniform uniform across the state. They argue that such uniformity threatens the individual identity of schools.
“Our uniforms are white and green – this has been our identity for more than a century. The founding body has written a letter to the government saying that the color of our uniform should be retained. But neither we have received any reply from the government nor have we got new uniforms,” said a source associated with the Lee Memorial Girls High School in Kolkata, opened in 1895 and run by the Methodist Church of India.
“There are many schools in West Bengal governed by minority organizations like CNI, Baptist Church, Roman Catholic Church and as far as I know, they are against the idea of uniform uniform for all,” the source said.
Last month, the 1857-built Contai High School in East Midnapore was protested by its alumni, who raised their voice against the replacement of their iconic khaki and white uniform with blue and white. They marched to the school carrying a banner that read: “Say no to uniform change, say no to logo change.”
“For me the uniform has always been a personal identity. Even now, when I see someone wearing the uniform of my parent organization, my heart goes away. I’m sure that’s the case with most. The uniform creates a sense of belonging and pride. As a principal, I really hate the idea of uniform uniforms for all schools. This will not only make it difficult to easily identify students from different schools but will also take away the independence of the school authorities,” said Krishnakoli Ray, who heads a girls’ school in Kolkata.
“A uniform color code may be a new idea, but it certainly undermines the idea of diversity that characterizes Indian culture. The concept of inclusion and divergent thinking is sadly missing from the entire practice. There is no such way. that we could protest, even if most of us would. Were not prepared to do that,” Ms Ray said.