The Left government in Kerala has announced that it would back the idea of gender-neutral uniforms in schools–a concept that was perhaps hitherto unthinkable for students and academics alike.

Valayanchirangara government Lower Primary School, near Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district, which has a strength of 754 students has taken the first step towards gender neutrality and introduced a new uniform for their students– a 3/4th shorts and shirt, irrespective of the gender.

When it comes to government efforts to ensure gender justice, the issues that come to mind are mostly those pertaining to preventing crime or setting up gender-neutral toilets. Kerala, however, has taken things a step further and believes in a holistic approach to encourage gender neutrality in the state. And thus it wanted to engage a crucial section of the population that matters the most– children.

The new dress code was planned in 2018 and was introduced in the lower primary section of the school and this academic year, when the schools were reopened after the pandemic induced lockdown, it has been extended to all students.

Vivek V, the current president of the PTA, who was also part of the executive committee of the PTA in 2018 which took the decision, said that they wanted all the children to enjoy the same level of freedom.

“We got the backing of the students and their parents. We wanted all the students to have the same uniform so that they could enjoy the freedom of movement. This was first introduced in the pre-primary classes of around 200 students. It was a big hit which gave us confidence to implement it for all other classes,” Vivek said.

General education minister V Sivankutty said it was an admirable move by the LP school and the government will promote such gender inclusive activities.

“Ideas of gender justice, equality and awareness will be emphasised during curriculum reform. But these lessons need not be restricted to textbooks. Admirable move by Valayanchirangara LP School. Students of all genders will now wear the same uniform here – short pants & shirts,” Sivankutty tweeted congratulating the school.

He said there is a need to initiate a discussion in society whether we need to continue with separate schools for boys and girls.

“It is time to start a discussion in the society whether there is any need to continue with the separate schools for boys and girls. The state government fully support the idea of unisex uniform for the students which is a step towards ensuring gender equality,” the minister said.

He said necessary steps will be taken to include gender equality and justice in the school curriculum.

K P Suma, the head mistress of the school, said the students are excited about the new uniform and the girl students will now feel more comfortable and confident in taking part in extra-curricular activities.

A parent, who do not wished to be named, said that now her daughter need not worry about getting engaged in any physical activities like running or jumping or dancing or anything.

A senior official from the Education department said the government policy is to encourage gender neutrality and will fully support any school which plans to introduce such gender-neutral uniform. However, a law with regard to this has not yet been discussed.

The Kerala government has earlier this month clarified that there was no law asking teachers to wear sari with higher education minister R Bindu saying such practice demanding to wear sari was not conducive to Kerala’s progressive attitude.

Bindu had said that one’s choice of dressing is an entirely personal matter and no one has the right to criticise or interfere in another’s sartorial choices.

The Higher Education department had in the second week of November issued a circular in this regard after complaints came from many teachers that several institutions in the state continue to practise such policing.

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