bhopal

Updated: Mar 18, 2017 14:33 IST

To shun British legacy on dress code, MP government will introduce a ‘Bhartiya Paridhan’ for convocations of universities of the state.

Opposing convocation dress code which comprises a gown and a mortarboard (cap) being used for a long time, MP government has taken a decision to introduce Indian dress code for convocation.

The dress may be a combination of modern and Indian dress, said sources.

Higher education minister Jaibhan Singh Pawaiya had asked vice chancellors in October to introduce Indian dress for the convocation. The minister was also giving the convocations a miss due to the reason.

A committee of vice chancellors was formed to decide the dress code.

The committee head and vice chancellor Sangeet Shukla said, “The government wanted to end the British legacy in convocation ceremony. The focus is on Bhartiya Paridhan (Indian traditional dress) which will be suitable for both male and female students.”

“As the convocation is a prestigious moment for every student so we will introduce a dress which is liked by students. The dress is being designed by fashion designers which will be a combination of modern and traditional Indian dresses. The fabric may be silk. We are also discussing what can be design of the cap,” said Shukla.

A section of members of committee has given an option of Kurta, Pyajama with jacket. Barkatullah University vice chancellor MD Tiwari said, “We have given an option of Kurta, Pyajama with jacket but the final decision will be taken by the committee.”

“The different option of dresses will be presented in a meeting of committee of vice chancellors on March 20. We will present different options in front of governor OP Kohli in a meeting of standing committee scheduled to be held on April 17 to finalise a dress code. From the next academic session, the dress code will be introduced,” said Ashish Upadhyaya, principal secretary, Higher Education.

The debate over convocation robe started in 2010 when former environment minister Jairam Ramesh shrugged off the robe in a convocation ceremony of IIFM in Bhopal. Ramesh termed it as a ‘barbaric colonial practice’.

Later, revenue minister Umashankar Gupta also raised the issue.