A State-run engineering university in Odisha has introduced uniforms for its new students and banned dupattas (long scarves) for girls, citing safety reasons.
This was one of first occasions when engineering students have been asked to attend classes with uniforms.
As per the notice issued by Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, boys have been asked to come with navy blue colour pants and sky colour shirt while girls will have navy colour shalwar and waistcoat and sky colour shirts.
“All the first year students (except post graduate and doctoral programme) who have taken admission in the academic year 2025-26 are hereby informed that a uniform dress code is introduced in the university. The uniform is formal pant and shirt for boys and either formal pant and shirt or shalwar-kameez with waistcoat for girls,” says VSSUT, Odisha’s oldest engineering college which was later upgraded to university.
The university, however, stated: “No dupatta is permitted due to safety reasons.”
“A lot of research has gone into selecting the colour of the uniform, which is neutral and secular. The fabric and shade were chosen so they would not stain or discolour easily. All teaching staff unanimously agreed on these colours,” said Dipak Kumar Sahoo, Vice-Chancellor of VSSUT, told reporters.
On the dupatta ban, Mr. Sahoo explained that in various engineering disciplines, students work with moving parts, and a dupatta, if caught, could pose a life-threatening risk for girls. “A waistcoat has been prescribed as a dignified alternative to dupattas,” he added.
According to the university authorities, the uniform is aimed at inculcating a sense of discipline among students and enabling easy identification of outsiders when the dress code is enforced. For now, it is optional for senior students who are accustomed to informal attire, but it will be made mandatory for all students in a phased manner, sources said.
Published – August 15, 2025 07:30 am IST
