Bhubaneswar: The state government is planning to introduce Ikat handloom uniforms for teachers of primary and high schools from 2018-19 academic sessions.
“Our department has already given a proposal to the state Chief Secretary. We have asked the state government to convene an inter-departmental meeting involving the concerned departments in this regard between January 18 and 25,” Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Snehangini Chhuria told reporters at the Secretariat Tuesday.
The minister said that initially the government has planned to implement it for teachers of primary and high schools under School and Mass Education department.
“We have plans to introduce this at higher education level as well. However, for now there is no dress code for teaching staff in higher education sector. So we will talk to the higher education minister and officials to find ways for implementation of the move in colleges and universities,” the minister said.
She said that the new initiative will encourage use of handloom products in the state and will also be beneficial for the state’s weavers’ community.
“Currently, there are nearly 40,000 weavers in the state and once the plan is implemented, we will have to give works to all these weavers in order to meet the demand.”
According to sources, the dress materials are likely to be provided by Sambalpuri Bastralaya and Boyanika.
The minister also said that her department will urge the state government to enhance the rebate (which is 20+10 per cent at present on certain handloom products) on this uniform making it more affordable.
If this plan works out well, we may also introduce this uniform for school students as well, she added.
PNN
