UP Plans Uniform Dress Code In Colleges 'To Reduce Social Divide'

Last Updated:May 22, 2026, 04:33 IST

Governor Anandiben Patel said a common dress code would help reduce visible social and economic differences among students and create a more inclusive environment on campuses

Uttar Pradesh’s higher education system could soon witness one of its biggest cultural shifts, with uniforms likely to become mandatory in universities and colleges across the state. The proposal, pushed by Governor Anandiben Patel, is aimed at promoting equality, discipline, and a better academic atmosphere.

The decision was taken during a review meeting held at Lok Bhavan on Thursday, where the governor directed universities and colleges across the state to implement a dress code for students from the upcoming academic session. She said a common dress code would help reduce visible social and economic differences among students and create a more inclusive environment on campuses.

According to officials, educational institutions will have the freedom to decide the colour and design of their uniforms according to their requirements. The initiative is expected to be rolled out gradually across universities and colleges in the state.

Addressing officials during the meeting, the governor said that differences in clothing often create feelings of inequality among students. “When all students appear in the same dress, it promotes equality and reduces discrimination based on wealth or social background," she said.

The governor also stressed the need to improve discipline and strengthen the academic atmosphere in higher educational institutions. She instructed teachers to maintain punctuality, take classes regularly and ensure better attendance of students. “Teachers should reach colleges on time, take classes every day and maintain the dignity of their profession," she said.

Her remarks come at a time when questions have been raised over conduct and discipline in universities following a recent controversy at the University of Lucknow. An audio clip allegedly involving a professor and a female student recently went viral on social media, triggering outrage. The conversation reportedly contained references to leaking examination papers and summoning the student privately. Following the controversy, the university administration suspended Professor Dr Parmjeet Singh.

Apart from the dress code policy, the governor announced a series of measures aimed at improving employability and skill development among students, especially women. She directed colleges to introduce employment-oriented courses from the new academic session so that female students can become financially independent while pursuing higher education.

The proposed courses include beautician training, mehendi art, GST and accounting training, bindi manufacturing, and food product preparation. According to Lok Bhavan officials, the objective is to equip students with practical skills that can help generate employment and self-employment opportunities.

The governor also reviewed facilities in women’s college hostels and instructed authorities to improve security and infrastructure for female students. She emphasised the importance of providing proper guidance to students so that they remain away from antisocial or harmful activities.

To ensure that students can openly discuss their concerns, the governor directed universities and colleges to form special committees for grievance redressal. These committees will address academic, personal, and campus-related issues faced by students.

Another major focus of the meeting was digital learning. The governor asked universities to create a better digital learning environment and digitise rare books and academic material that are not easily accessible to students. She said technology should be used to make educational resources available to a larger number of students across the state.

The move to introduce dress codes in higher educational institutions is not entirely unprecedented. Several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, and Chhattisgarh, have already implemented dress code policies in government colleges and universities.

In 2024, the Madhya Pradesh government introduced a uniform dress code for students in both government and private colleges. Several universities in Bihar also have prescribed uniforms, while institutions in Assam and Chhattisgarh have imposed restrictions on casual outfits such as ripped jeans, leggings, and t-shirts to maintain discipline and decorum on campuses.

However, Lok Bhavan officials maintain that the move is intended to create a more focused, inclusive, and academically driven atmosphere in higher educational institutions across the state.

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