Manjeri, Malappuram: Jannath Samaraveera, a seventh-standard student at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, is now allowed to wear a gender-neutral school uniform. The Kerala General Education Department issued a special order the other day, allowing Jannath to wear pants and shirt, in line with her personal choice.
At the school, the prescribed uniforms are different for boys and girls. Boys are required to wear pants and shirt, while girls must wear churidar, pants, and an overcoat. However, Jannath's mother, Advocate Aisha P Jamal, filed a complaint with the Education Minister, V Sivankutty. The complaint said that Jannath faced difficulty wearing the girls' uniform, particularly due to the salwar top with no slit, which made it difficult to board bus or move freely. The overcoat was also uncomfortable in the hot weather.
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General Education Department's intervention
After reviewing the situation, the Department decided to allow Jannath to wear the uniform of her choice – a gender-neutral option of pants and a shirt. The order also clarified that other students who prefer to follow the uniform prescribed by the PTA can continue to do so.
The complaint regarding the uniform change was earlier discussed in a special meeting, which involved the District Education Officer, school authorities, parents, the complainant, and Jannath. While the PTA maintained its stance of not altering the current uniform, the Education Department ultimately intervened. They allowed the PTA to continue implementing its decision, while also respecting Jannath’s choice to wear a gender-neutral uniform.
Aisha P Jamal had previously approached the school authorities, requesting permission for her daughter to wear the same uniform as boys, but her request was rejected. Aisha argued that denying girls access to the same uniforms as boys goes against the principle of equality guaranteed by the Constitution. She praised the Education Department for its progressive stance, saying that her daughter is being educated in a government school with high hopes for quality education and an inclusive outlook.
Published: 29 Dec 2024, 09:27 am IST
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