Mysuru: The circular issued on June 4 by the Regional Joint Director restricting women teaching staff from using cell phones in college campuses and making saris compulsory was withdrawn in the aftermath of stiff opposition from the women teaching fraternity.
Based on a complaint filed by Satish Kumar from Kolar on July 2, the education department had issued notification barring mobile usage and making dress code mandatory for all the lecturers in degree colleges. In his complaint, Satish Kumar had alleged, “They spend time updating WhatsApp and Facebook status. Female lecturers wear salwars and come to college,” and sought action from the department concerned. He had also stated that such teaching staff cannot become role models for students.
Accordingly, M K Umanath, Regional Joint Director at Mysuru had issued a circular on July 4 asking the lecturers to strictly abide by the guidelines and instructing the women folk to drape only sarees instead of salwars.
However, the women teaching fraternity resisted the decision vehemently and demanded withdrawal. To avoid further brickbats, the circular was withdrawn within a day on July 5, giving enraged women lecturers a huge sigh of relief.
