As winter sets in, several city schools have sparked anger among parents by insisting that students wear only specific sweaters or blazers in designated colours — a move that may go against state education department rules.
At Sakar English School in Chandkheda, parents received a message instructing students to wear a “proper winter wear uniform with blazer” starting November 3. The message added that only dark blue half-sweaters would be permitted under blazers and asked parents to buy them from approved uniform vendors.
Many parents were taken aback by the directive, saying the prescribed sweaters are too costly and place an extra burden on families — especially those with more than one child studying at the same school.
Parents from other schools, including one near SG Highway, reported facing similar demands, being told to purchase sweaters of specific colours and designs from selected shops.
When asked about the controversy, Smita Das, Director of Sakar School, said the school had only “requested” parents, not forced them. “The idea is to maintain uniformity and help identify students easily in public places. If a child is unwell, they can wear any colour winter wear under the shirt,” she clarified.
However, City DEO Rohit M. Chaudhari made it clear that schools cannot compel students to wear a particular type or brand of sweater. “If we find any school doing so, action will be taken,” he said.