BENGALURU: With Dr Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University set to host its fifth annual convocation on April 4, the dress code for students, the Chancellor (Governor), the Higher Education Minister, teaching faculty, syndicate members, and the administration will remain unchanged this year.

BCU Vice-Chancellor Ramesh B said that a proposal to introduce khadi-based attire in line with Indian traditions is still awaiting government approval.

“In the previous vice-chancellors’ meeting, it was decided to change the dress code across all state universities by introducing khadi and aligning it with Indian traditions. However, the government is yet to issue an official order and obtain the Governor’s assent, as he is the Chancellor of all universities,” he said.

He added that this year’s convocation will follow last year’s dress code. “Girls and boys must wear white clothes, saree or churidhar for girls, and kurta, shirt and trousers for boys.”

Following discussions at last month’s vice-chancellors’ meeting, the department constituted a committee to submit recommendations. The panel is yet to present its report. There are plans to introduce sarees for women and kurta-pyjamas for men. Earlier, the University Grants Commission directed universities across the country to shift to handwoven materials for convocations.

Ramesh said that from next year, British-style gowns, robes and caps are expected to be replaced with attire reflecting Indian traditions. “Some universities have already adopted khadi and done away with robes,” he said.

Last year, more than 32,000 students received undergraduate degrees and over 7,000 earned postgraduate degrees. A similar trend is expected this year.

This story has been written by Rashmi Patil of The New Indian Express.