Students of the Kendriya Vidyalayas here are finding it hard to adapt to the NIFT-designed polyester uniforms introduced recently. With the mercury levels soaring, students in the state who use the uniform are complaining of developing itches. They also feel highly uncomfortable in the uniforms designed for cooler climates. Experts are of the opinion that the high polyester content in these uniforms can cause various health hazards.
The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangatan (KVS) introduced the new multi-colour uniform to mark the 50th anniversary of the organisation. The uniform material is a combination of 93 per cent polyester and 7 per cent cotton. “Owing to its synthetic structure, polyester clothing produces very strong electrostatic potential which can have adverse effects on the human body,” said a senior doctor who didn’t want to be named. According to her wearing of the polyester fabric lowers the male sperm count and can lead to abortions in pregnant women.
“Polyester-content clothings are not student-friendly in the Indian climate. It could cause adverse effect on the children as they are forced to wear them continously for hours together,” said eminent neurosurgeon M Sambasivan.
“Students feel uncomfortably hot while wearing the uniform. Moreover, owing to its flammable nature, such uniforms are not suitable while working in science labs,” said George Felix, doctor and parent of a KV student.
A student of the Kendriya Vidyalaya wears the uniform for an average of 8 to 10 hours daily and that too for more than 290 days a year. Students said that they are not happy with the makeover. Earlier they were free to choose any material for the prescribed uniform. “With the Sangatan insisting on polyester fabric, we are helpless even when the material is causing skin irritation,” said Sruthi Raveendran, a KV student. But some parents are happy with the change. “We need to put only less effort in cleaning the new uniform and we think the Sangatan took the right step in introducing new uniform,” said Rema Devi, a parent.
Thiruvananthapuram Kendriya Vidyalaya Principal Neerada said the schools have no option but to follow the KVS circular.