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Design region appropriate dress code for convocation in medical colleges: Govt

According to the health ministry directive, the current dress code is reminiscent of the colonial period and needs to be changed

Updated on: Aug 23, 2024, 16:07:52 IST
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The Union ministry of health and family welfare on Friday wrote to the heads of all central government-run medical institutions asking them to identify an Indian attire as dress code for students at graduation ceremonies to replace the black robes and black caps currently used.

The ministry has asked for a proposal in this regard to be submitted to the division concerned in the ministry. (Representative file photo)
The ministry has asked for a proposal in this regard to be submitted to the division concerned in the ministry. (Representative file photo)

According to the health ministry directive, the current dress code is reminiscent of the colonial period and needs to be changed.

“I am directed to invite a reference to the PANCH PRAN (five resolutions) enunciated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. In this regard, it is observed that currently as a matter of practice black robe and cap is being used during convocation by various institutes of the ministry,” read the order to medical institutions.

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“This attire originated in the Middle Ages in Europe and was introduced by the British in all their colonies. The above tradition is a colonial legacy which needs to be changed. Accordingly, it has been decided by the ministry that the various institutes of the ministry including AIIMS /INIs engaged in imparting medical education will design appropriate Indian dress code for the convocation ceremony of their institute’ based on local traditions of the state in which the institute is located.”

The ministry has asked for a proposal in this regard to be submitted to the division concerned in the ministry.

  • Rhythma Kaul
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Rhythma Kaul

    Rhythma Kaul is the national health editor of the Hindustan Times. She has been reporting on public health, medicine, and medical research, with a particular focus on how government decisions and health system reforms shape people’s lives. Rhythma has over 25 years of journalistic experience. She joined Hindustan Times in 2008, and has since covered everything from pandemics and infectious diseases to cutting‑edge medical research and climate‑related health challenges. Her stories routinely track the work of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, department of pharmaceuticals, and key national health programmes, making complex medical science and policy accessible to a wide audience. One of her prominent news breaks has been the 2012 Baby Falak case: A two-year-old brutally battered baby girl was admitted to AIIMS-Delhi with severe head injuries, multiple fractures, human bite marks, and burns. The police investigation revealed this to be a case of multi-state human-trafficking racket. She was profiled by The Wall Street Journal for breaking this story. Rhythma holds a Master’s degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi. Prior to Hindustan Times, she worked with the India Today Group. Rhythma can be contacted at rhythma.kaul@hindustantimes.com. Her X handle is @RamblingBrook.Read More