Should the uniform for colleges, schools remain mandatory?

Sindh Education Department recently decided that there would be no restriction on uniforms in schools and colleges of the province, while ajrak could be made an optional part of school uniform, if desired so by the education institutes.

The decision if implemented, while opposed by the city council, will surely create a class difference among the students. A uniform is a symbol of social unity and discipline in institutions ending discrimination on the basis of students’ status. ‘Ek hi saf main kharay ho gay Mehmood o Ayaz’ will lose its real meaning.

In Pakistani society, where majority of people belong to middle class, it is hard to make both ends meet due to inflation for many families. Uniform is a kind of protection for them to hide their status (not because they are ashamed of it) in an educational institute, so that they can’t be disheartened or become the victim of taunt by their companions (as it is a common practice in colleges). The restriction will create a psychological status shock for many and also give rise to inferiority complex. Influence of modernism can be sky high. Students can’t be distinguished at public places or even in their college making bunking even easier for them.

One can’t understand the logic behind this decision and how helpful it could be to raise educational standards. Perhaps the educational department could explain it well. Our Educational system needs an overhaul not the uniforms. Uniforms should be mandatory and retained for colleges and schools.