‘You gotta shave to attend class’

At the Rakshapal Bahadur Management Institute (RBMI), there’s a peculiar order in force. As per the order, students have to come clean-shaven; else they are not allowed to attend classes. Casuals—both for students and teachers—are out. And the attire should reveal absolutely nothing.

A man without a moustache is no longer a man…A moustache is indispensable to a manly face.
—Guy de Maupassant

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At the Rakshapal Bahadur Management Institute (RBMI), there’s a peculiar order in force. As per the order, students have to come clean-shaven; else they are not allowed to attend classes. Casuals—both for students and teachers—are out. And the attire should reveal absolutely nothing.

This came to light on Thursday when a group of students met the district officials to complain about the lack of infrastructure and faculty at the institute.

“We are grown up men, not school boys. I had kept a moustache but had to shave it off,” an MBA student said. “Initially it looked awkward, and I used to cover my mouth with my hand if there was a girl around me,” said another student.

When asked, RBMI Chairperson Veena Mathur, said, “In view of the students’ personality development, we are not allowing beards or moustaches. They have to be clean-shaven otherwise they are not allowed.”

“During placement workshops, I spoke to the representatives of some MNCs and found that most of them preferred clean-shaven, well-dressed men. It is for the students’ benefit,” said Mathur.

When asked about Sikh students, Mathur said, “At present, we don’t have any Sikh students. However, they will be allowed on religious ground. But the beard has to be properly tied. They are also following the dress code and without complaints.”

“Female teachers have been asked to wear either sarees or salwar kameez. Jeans or revealing dresses are not allowed. Male teachers, too, have been asked not to come dressed casually,” said Mathur.

The RBMI, at Knowledge Park III, is recognized by All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) and is affiliated to the U.P. Technical University (UPTU) and offers MBA and MCA programmes. At present, the college has around 400 students.

Meanwhile, the district administration has asked the (UPTU) to look into the students’ complaint.