New Delhi: A circular by a private school in North West Delhi that parents wear “sober” and “appropriate” attire when dropping off or picking up their children has sparked outrage with many of them calling it an “unreasonable” demand.
Some of the parents even alleged that the notice was put up after they had moved to the Delhi High Court challenging the “arbitrary move” of the GD Goenka Public School, Sector 22, Rohini in April to increase the fees.
In a circular issued October 22, school principal Vandana Gupta said that “sober and appropriate” outfit not only reflects discipline but also conveys respect for the learning environment.
“As role models for your children, it is important to dress in a manner that upholds the values we aim to instil in them. We kindly request all parents to avoid wearing nightwear, slippers, or chappals when picking up or dropping off their ward at school,” she said in the circular.
“Your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines will help create an atmosphere of respect and decorum, encouraging students to follow suit,” the curricular added.
ThePrint has a copy of the notice.
The circular has irked some parents, who alleged that they are being targeted by such “unreasonable demands” for raising their voice against “arbitrary fee hike” by the school.
“They are just trying to harass parents with all of this. In the mornings, we are all in a hurry. They want us to dress up before coming to school. A lot of mothers are housewives and they leave everything to pick their kids from school. Why are they expected to come all dressed up?” asked Neena Malik, a mother of a student, told ThePrint.
“Parents are furious, believing the school has lost its sense, and they’re frustrated ever since the court case over the fee hike—it feels like the school is intentionally trying to provoke them,” another parent Manoj Gadi told ThePrint.
Despite multiple attempts through calls, the school principal could not be reached for comment. An email seeking response was also forwarded to the school administration. This report will be updated once a response is received.
Shikha Bagga, the lawyer representing parents, said that a group of parents have now decided to formally write to the school authorities in order to put an end to such a demand, since the decision might make education difficult for children of middle class families.
“Children of lower class families are sent to government schools, and for children of high class (families), they can do anything. It’s the middle class who is affected by this nonsense,” she said, adding that people send their children to schools that have now become big brands, thinking that these schools will help in shaping their careers, however, the focus of these schools remains on issues not related to education.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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