Newz Desk, Durgapur: The West Bengal government has initiated a review of its school uniform policy, signalling a possible end to the mandatory blue-and-white uniform for students in government and government-aided schools. The move could allow institutions to return to their traditional uniform colours and monograms, restoring their individual identity.
The development follows an internal meeting of the School Education Department, after which district inspectors were instructed to conduct a statewide survey. Schools have been asked to submit details of their preferred uniform colours, institutional logos, student strength and fabric requirements.
According to officials, the information will help estimate the demand for different fabric types and colour combinations, enabling the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises & Textiles (MSME&T) Department to ensure timely production and supply of uniforms.
The blue-and-white uniform was made compulsory in March 2022 for students from pre-primary to Class VIII in all government and government-aided schools. The uniforms also carried the Biswa Bangla logo and were manufactured through the MSME department. The policy replaced the individual uniform colours that many schools had traditionally used for decades.
School heads have welcomed the latest initiative, saying the colour of a uniform reflects the heritage and identity of an institution. Several principals noted that schools had no choice in uniform colours over the past four years after the state introduced a common dress code.
One headmaster from a school in Durgapur said institutions that did not adopt the prescribed uniform colour in 2022 were denied government-funded uniforms, forcing students to purchase uniforms from private vendors. With the new directive, schools are now preparing data on student enrolment, preferred uniform colours and size requirements.
Officials said schools have been asked to upload the required information on the department’s online portal. The collected data will be used to plan the procurement and distribution of uniforms for the upcoming academic session.
The government is also working to secure the Centre’s financial contribution for the school uniform scheme. Before 2022, uniforms were provided primarily to girl students and those from reserved categories under the Sarva Shiksha Mission, with funding shared between the Centre and the state. The previous state government later expanded the scheme to cover all students up to Class VIII using state funds.
The uniform programme currently covers around 80 lakh students, with each eligible student expected to receive two sets of uniforms. If approved, the revised policy will allow schools to retain or restore their traditional colours and logos while continuing to benefit from the government-funded uniform scheme.
