KOCHI: Just like the perfectly-parted double braids of schoolchildren, opinion is equally divided on whether there should be specific norms on hairstyle for students in the campus.
Majority of girl students have hailed the State Child Rights Commission's order that educational institutions should not force them to part their hair and plait it. However, a large section of parents and teachers fear it might lead to an embarrassing situation where girl students will begin turning up on campuses with 'funky hairdos' and pave way for 'indiscipline'.
What Prompted The Order
Kerala State Commission For Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) had in a recent order said that girl students in schools should not be compelled to part their hair and plait it.
The order came in the wake of a petition from a Plus Two student from Kasaragod who complained that school authorities were insisting on hair being parted and arranged into two plaits. She said that forcing students to tie their hair even when it is wet would give rise to bad odour and lead to problems such as hair breakage.
KSCPCR member K Nazeer told 'Express' that it is a child's 'constitutional right' to decide how to wear her hair. However, he was quick to add that in educational institutions, certain rules have to be followed. "The educational institutions can prescribe a pattern of uniform to maintain discipline but cannot force a child to wear her hair in a particular fashion," he said.
Mixed Views
According to Rajisha, a Class XII student of an aided school in the capital, many girl students find it difficult to tie their hair when wet and hence go to school without bathing. This causes a host of health problems, she added.
Usha Devi, Headmistress of RKD NSS Higher Secondary School, said that parting hair and wearing it in braids has been a convention followed over the years by girl students. "We have never insisted that students should plait their hair. Since most of the students find it convenient, they follow it," she said.
Education Dept To Bring Out Circular
Meanwhile, the Education Department officials say they are yet to receive the Commission's order. "We will issue a circular informing schools about the child rights panel's order," said a senior official at the Directorate of Public Instruction. However, Education Department officials were skeptic on whether the order will be strictly complied with by educational institutions, especially those in the aided sector.