VSSUT scraps mandatory uniform, adopts optional dress code after student protests

Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) in Burla, Sambalpur, has relaxed its controversial uniform policy following student protests, making the prescribed dress optional and introducing new uniform specifications, according to decisions taken by the university’s Academic Council.

At a meeting chaired by Vice‑Chancellor Prof Dipak Kumar Sahoo on Friday, the council approved the withdrawal of the mandatory uniform and also revised the uniform colours to black trousers and a white shirt, in line with student preferences. Once the official minutes are released, students may either wear the prescribed uniform or attend classes in decent formal attire of their choice, with jeans and T‑shirts remaining prohibited on campus.

The university had introduced the uniform policy in August last year, citing student safety, security, and equality as the primary objectives. However, students opposed the move almost immediately, arguing that the prescribed blue full‑sleeve polyester uniform was unsuitable for the local environment. They pointed out that Sambalpur’s humid climate makes a full‑sleeve polyester garment uncomfortable to wear for extended periods, especially during the warm months. In addition, students noted that the uniform impeded practical work in laboratory courses and field‑based activities, where freedom of movement and breathable clothing are essential.

The opposition took the form of organised protests by second‑year students, who also raised long‑pending hostel‑related concerns alongside the dress‑code issue. After several days of agitation, the protesters suspended their Tuesday demonstration following assurances from the Vice‑Chancellor that their grievances would be examined by the university’s governing bodies.

In a parallel development, university authorities convened a meeting with parents of second‑year students at the e‑Learning Centre on Thursday morning. The session had been scheduled to involve the Vice‑Chancellor, the Dean of Students’ Welfare, and other senior deans, with the intention of addressing both the uniform controversy and ongoing hostel facilities concerns. However, the meeting was called off after only a handful of parents turned up, indicating a low level of parental attendance at the appointed time.

The rollback of the mandatory uniform represents a response to sustained student feedback and highlights the university’s willingness to reconsider policies that affect daily campus life. While the specific, academic, and extracurricular experiences, the administration has emphasized that a standard of formal dress and decorum will still be expected of all students once the uniform requirement is lifted.

The new policy will come into effect only after the official minutes of the meeting are released. Under the proposed rules, students have been advised to avoid fancy, flashy or overly fashionable clothing and wear modest, formal attire while attending classes. Although the university has not yet issued an official notification, sources said a formal announcement is expected soon.

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