SE Report
GANGTOK, September 3: Terming the allegations of ‘commission’ over uniforms procurement process for students as ‘ridiculous’, the Sikkim Government College authority here at Tadong has asserted it had never insisted the uniforms be purchased solely from two stores in Gangtok.
At no time has the college authority insisted the uniforms be purchased solely from Hari Stores and Jagadamba Stores, said college principal MP Kharel in a press statement.
The college authorities had recently designed a dress code for its students following which the students have started turning up in uniforms for their classes since August 30.
A section of students had yesterday issued a press statement claiming that the uniforms they purchased for a sum of Rs. 2250 were made of cheap materials. They had claimed that the uniforms should have cost less than Rs. 2250 given the quality of the materials.
However, the Sikkim Government College principal said that the rate had been fixed after a review with leading garment dealers in Gangtok.
According to the break up provided by the college, the cost for a stitched blazer was Rs. 1250 while the cost for a stitched trouser or skirt was Rs. 350. A pair of shirts was available for Rs. 500 while it was Rs. 75 for a tie or scarf and Rs. 75 for embroidered college monogram taking the total to Rs. 2250.
“A point to be noted here is that at no time has the college authority insisted that the uniform be purchased solely from either of the above-mentioned stores. The students are free to acquire their uniforms from whichever source convenient to them, provided the design and colour is uniform”, said Kharel.
Regarding the feelings of a section of senior students who do not wish to wear uniforms, the college principal said that it was joint policy decision of the college and hence, ‘needs to be adhered to unconditionally’ from October 1.
“Beginning October 1, any student not wearing his/her uniform on the stipulated days will either be asked to leave the class or his/her attendance not credited for that particular class. The uniform should be worn on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday will be a casual dress day”, said Kharel.
Reminding that uniforms were first introduced during 1986-87 session at Sikkim Government College, Kharel said that the decision to resume the uniform was a policy decision taken after a joint staff meeting to remove disparity between the less-privileged and the affluent students, leading to a more balanced atmosphere in the campus and to eliminate non-collegiate persons in the campus, who are impossible to pinpoint in casual outfits. The uniform would reinforce the sense of belonging to the institution, he said.