Most of our readers feel that the school/college authorities should take the responsibility to see that students maintain the uniform decorum, while a few feel that the trend we are seeing is a result of changing times. However, one reader urges us to ‘not encourage our students to all be the same, but instead encourage them to find their own voice and creativity’

Every individual should be able to freely express themselves, even the way they dress forms a part of their statement. I believe school uniform takes the pressure off students and makes them worry less about what they will wear to school and to concentrate more on their learning experience. I also believe individuality is a crucial part of one’s learning experience. Let us not encourage our students to all be the same, but instead encourage them to find their own voice and creativity. Let us not ask questions such as “who should take responsibility that uniforms remain uniforms?” but instead ask questions like “How can we best nourish our children’s creativity and intellect?”

— Star Lynn Jacobs, Chicago, US

For growing children, parents should take the responsibility of maintaining discipline in their children’s uniforms. But it’s not easy or practical for parents to control college-going students. So I think colleges should make strict regulations for students about their dresses. For example, colleges can make it mandatory for students to follow perfection and simplicity in their uniform. And teachers should also wear dresses suitable for educational institutions.

— Sumnima Khatri

Neither students nor the parents can be held responsible for what the uniforms have been turned into these days. The students have their freedom to dress the way they like, be it to impress their friends or to fit in with the rest. Meanwhile parents are least concerned about their children’s dresses as long as they keep up with their academic performance. In my opinion therefore, it is the school/college authority that should be held responsible for the way students dress.

— Surya

The basic principle behind having a code of dress in schools and colleges is to maintain uniformity, decency and discipline. Uniform makes students feel that they all are equal despite the different backgrounds they come from. In my opinion, it is the students who should be held responsible for breaching the dress code. However, parents and teachers are also equally to be blamed for being negligent. At home it is the parents who should be extra vigilant, while schoolteachers should be strict enough to ensure that students follow the dress code.

— Ambika Pandey, Chitwan

School and college uniforms have become more of a fashion statement. Schools and colleges seem to be competing to outsmart others by having more fashionable uniforms. In my opinion, students, parents and even the school/college authorities should be held responsible for keeping the uniform away from fashion trends.

— Kes Bahadur Pun, Simpani

In my opinion, school/college authorities should be held responsible for what has become of school uniforms. It is because of the absence of rules and regulation related with students’ uniform and other accessories that students are being encouraged to dress as they like. But even parents should not be so lenient on how his/her child dresses.

— Anju

When I went to school in the early 90’s, we were only allowed to enter classroom after inspection of proper uniform as per the disciplinary regulations of the school. Things change with time, but students, these days, are given more liberty when it comes to school uniforms. The kinds of uniform they wear give the impression that they are influenced by the hip-hop and punk culture. Some of them look as if they are going to attend a concert or dance club rather than going to school, while the innocent ones, who want to be in proper uniform are treated like nerds. I think the school/college authorities should take the responsibility in maintaining a proper decorum with uniforms.

— Sabin Thapa, Galfutar

I think students are responsible for maintaining a proper decorum when it comes to uniforms. Students should not use their uniforms as a fashion statement. And if they do, parents and college authorities should curb this trend.

— Prabin Subedi

It’s quite natural for children and teenagers to emulate what they see. But it’s up to the school authorities to form a proper code of discipline for students to follow. While parents should always be there to guide them, teachers at school must encourage them to abide by rules and regulations.

— Sita Bhandari, Nayabazar

It is definitely the fault of the school/college authorities. Once children are out of their homes, it is the responsibility of teachers and school administration to guide them. Students flouting school rules and regulations should be dealt with strict punitive measures.

— Rhea Gurung, Maharajgunj 

The tendency is understandable given the age of students. Most of them being teenagers would certainly not be in a position to think or act rationally. Moreover, students tend to follow such practices in order to be called ‘hip and happening’. It is imperative for parents to know what their children wear when they go to school/ college. But the biggest responsibility, however, falls on educational institutions that should maintain decorum in matters of uniform. What they should also understand is that students play a vital role in publicising the image of an institution.

— Hansa Limbu

Discipline is necessary for better learning and making life fruitful. Keeping the school/college uniform simple and decent is equally important for a student. In my opinion it is the responsibility of schools and colleges to curb this trend that focuses on fashion rather than education.

— Ramesh Bhatta

Uniform signifies equality and discipline. Students should look smart and at the same time maintain a certain standard of decency. School authorities in this regard are to be blamed for the irregularity in maintaining a strict code of uniform. It’s high time that school authorities take responsibility and curb the trend.

— Nishant Shandilya, Baluwatar

No one in particular is to be blamed for the so-called modification of school uniforms. It’s just the result of change in the traditional way of dressing that students think is important to express their personality. There isn’t much that an institution or parents can do. It’s the students themselves who dress up accoroding to their will who should take into account the social perspectives.

— Laxman Shrestha

I think school/college authorities should take the responsibility that uniform remains uniform as the uniforms are prescribed by the school/college.

— Hare Ram Karn, Sikajyoti, Siraha

I agree that today’s college uniforms have become a fashion statement of kinds, and I think the college authorities should take the responsibility so that uniforms remain uniforms. Every colleges have their own rules and regulations though they are not too serious about students’ uniform. They should make strict rules on uniforms so that the students can pay more attention to their studies. The college authorities should take proper action against students who flout the uniform rules.

— Shreejana Shrestha, Kathmandu

Parents, school/college authorities and students are all equally responsible for making sure uniform remains uniform. However, the school/college’s responsibility comes on top. They must make the rules, which should be strictly followed by students. Parents should not think that once the children are sent to school/college, their job is done. They must support the school/college’s philosophy, value and goals. And students should also be aware that they are going to school/college to gain the knowledge, not to some fashion show.

— Jimmy R Khadgi, Maru-Dhoka, Kathmandu