Patna: The Bihar government has renewed its efforts to enforce a formal dress code for teachers in government schools, with Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari assuring the Legislative Assembly that action will be taken within 48 hours of receiving complaints about violations.
The issue was raised during the Monsoon Session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, where an RJD MLA questioned the Education Department over what he described as poor implementation of the government’s dress code policy despite repeated official directives.
Opposition Questions Enforcement
During the discussion, the MLA alleged that many teachers continue to attend schools wearing T-shirts and other casual clothing, even though the government has instructed teaching and non-teaching staff to wear formal attire during working hours.
He argued that while the department has issued multiple circulars, there has been little evidence of disciplinary action against those violating the dress code.
The MLA also questioned how many teachers had faced action since the policy was introduced, saying repeated reminders without enforcement undermined the government’s stated objective.
Government Cites Existing Guidelines
Responding to the debate, Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari said the dress code guidelines were issued by the General Administration Department and communicated to the Education Department through an official letter dated October 9, 2024.
According to the minister, District Education Officers were instructed to ensure that teachers and staff in government educational institutions attend school in dignified formal attire during office hours.
He informed the House that the department had issued another communication on July 20, 2026, directing District Education Officers to initiate action under the applicable rules against teachers or staff members found violating the dress code.
Action Promised Within 48 Hours
Addressing concerns over implementation, Tiwari said the Education Department had once again reminded officials to enforce the existing instructions.
He urged legislators to report any instances where teachers fail to comply with the dress code, stating that the department would respond promptly.
According to the minister, disciplinary action against the concerned teacher will be initiated within 48 hours of receiving a complaint, in accordance with departmental rules.
He told the Assembly that the government remains committed to maintaining discipline and professional standards in government schools.
Debate Highlights Implementation Challenges
The exchange reflected broader questions about the implementation of administrative directives in Bihar’s government schools.
While the opposition maintained that repeated reminders have not translated into effective enforcement, the government said it has strengthened instructions to district officials and reiterated its commitment to ensuring compliance.
What’s Next?
The Education Department is expected to monitor implementation through District Education Officers following the latest directive. Whether the renewed instructions lead to wider compliance—or disciplinary action in cases of violation—will become clearer in the coming weeks.
