Black gown made mandatory for teachers

New dress code to take effect from Feb 23; educators reject decision

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi District Education Authority has made it mandatory for all male and female teachers to wear black gowns during teaching hours.

A dress code notification has been issued with immediate implementation orders. From Monday, February 23, teachers of primary, middle, high and higher secondary classes will be required to wear black gowns while attending schools and delivering lectures. Conducting classes without a gown has been prohibited.

Under the notification, the professional dress code has been declared mandatory in all government schools across Punjab. Male teachers will wear simple shalwar kameez or pant shirt with closed shoes, while female teachers will wear decent attire with closed shoes or simple sandals.

The directive states that no teacher will be allowed to conduct classes or perform duties without a black gown. The School Education Department has instructed all district chief executive officers and school heads to ensure daily compliance.

The decision aims to promote discipline, a standardised professional identity and a dignified environment in educational institutions. It is being viewed as an effort to improve departmental performance and maintain professional standards among teachers.

Chief Executive Officer of District Education Authority Rawalpindi Tariq Mahmood said that from Monday all teachers in boys' and girls' government schools in the district must wear black gowns, otherwise teaching will not be allowed.

He stated that teachers are architects and guides of society, and their dignity and professional identity set an example for students, parents and society.