Editor,
In the recent notice, the prestigious institution of the city St Anthony’s College, ordered the students to oblige by the mandatory imposition of uniforms for the 1st semester and 3rd semester students has created an utter dissatisfaction and disappointment among the students of the college. It has been seen how this so-called anonymous decision by the college body has created a havoc like situation both financially and mentally for the students studying in the college.
This move has created discontent among the students leading to financial burdens and along with the curbing of individual liberty to dress accordingly. As a concerned student I would like to highlight some of the key points for which the objections to this decision arises among the students:
Financial strain: The most major concern that is voiced out by the students is substantial financial burden imposed on the students in the name of stitching of uniforms. On an average the uniform would cost nearly around Rs 5000 that too for classes of only four to five hours and that is required only for a time period of one academic year. Already many students are struggling to bear their expenses regarding their educational curriculum in terms of semester fees or the living cost. Recent times have proven the inflation level in Shillong which expresses how difficult it is to survive with a high cost of living. For an average person with a low annual income and also for a middle class family it is really very difficult to imply this extra cost. This really raises a question on the decision of the college for the mandatory imposition of uniforms only for a time period of one year with such a heavy cost as extremely illogical and more or less a financial burden on the students.
Financial disparities: When we took admission in the college, we were welcomed with the tagline: “Education within the equal reach of all.” But now after this decision it is really very ironic how the college administration ignored the conditions of students who belong from various financial backgrounds. Not all students can afford the prescribed attire, and this policy risks creating a socio-economic divide among the students. The essence of education is to be inclusive, and the imposition of a mandatory uniform undermines this principle. In the name of uniformity the essence and needs of students belonging from various economic sections should not be ignored simply with an anonymous decision. This adds a new financial burden to them and as many have expressed, the scholarship they receive hardly pays for their education— adding a uniform to this just puts the students in a helpless situation.
Problem for morning shift students: The worst sufferers are going to be the students who are in the morning shift. Most of the students have chosen this shift in order to fulfil their other obligations such as part time jobs, other work etc. It is really difficult for any student to get ready so early in the morning at 6 am with proper, clean and tidy uniform on every single day affecting their educational well being and comfort.
Limitations to extra engagement of students in activities: The prestigious St. Anthony’s College boasts a student body actively involved in extracurricular activities, part-time work, and community engagements. Forcing students into a uniform impedes their flexibility to participate in various activities outside the college premises after their college hours. It hinders their ability to seamlessly integrate into diverse aspects of society and also the flow of their day to day engagements.
Serious problems to the part time workers: A significant amount of students work part time in order to curb their educational expenses and support their families. The imposition of uniforms poses an additional challenge for these students, who juggle work and academics. This policy undermines their commitment to both education and employment, potentially and their ability to meet financial obligations.
So called unanimous decision: Previously in the beginning of 2023, a Google form was released to seek for students’ opinions but everything seemed to be just for formality. During the release of the forms, the students heavily expressed their concerns and problems regarding the idea of uniform but everything was discarded and the decision of mandatory was imposed on the students who ignored the views and concerns of the students.
In conclusion, through your means I would like to state that this mandatory imposition of uniform in the name of correction and uniformity is really concerning for the students, impacting their emotional and mental sanity leading to financial burden and problems. Not just that the student body is heavily dissatisfied and they seek reconsideration of the decision which is imposed on them. Education should be a tool for promoting a healthy mindset and a means of empowering students to lead forward and not to limit or create a blockage and therefore I voice out the concerns of the students.
A concerned student of St. Anthony’s College
