UP governor mandates uniforms in state universities, colleges
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Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has directed all universities and colleges in the state to implement uniforms for students, while also issuing a series of measures aimed at strengthening discipline, academic standards and skill-based education.
Patel, who serves as the chancellor of all state universities, issued the directive during a meeting held at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday. According to an official statement, the order applies to all government and aided colleges affiliated with Jananayak Chandrashekhar University in Ballia.
Welcoming the decision, Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said the disciplinary measures introduced by the governor were in the interest of students.
The governor also issued strict instructions to teachers, stating that no faculty member should engage in any activity that harms the dignity and stature of the teaching profession. She stressed the importance of holistic student development and directed teachers to attend classes regularly while ensuring student attendance.
Patel emphasised improving facilities in women’s hostels and ensuring students remain protected from anti-social influences. She also called for the introduction of vocational and skill-oriented courses to help female students become self-reliant and employable. Suggested courses included beautician training, mehendi art, GST-related training, bindi manufacturing, accountancy and millet-based food preparation.
Highlighting the importance of sustainable agriculture, the governor urged institutions to promote organic farming and encourage students to practise organic cultivation on their own land to generate additional income.
Patel also stressed the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), directing institutions to provide flexibility in subject selection and promote multidisciplinary and multi-task learning. She said students should gain knowledge in yoga, painting and other practical skills in addition to their core academic subjects to improve employability.
For colleges facing a shortage of teachers, the governor suggested online teaching arrangements and collaboration with other institutions. She also directed authorities to fill vacant teaching posts at the earliest and organise regular training programmes for faculty members.
The governor further ordered immediate arrangements for clean drinking water in anganwadi centres, primary schools, primary health centres, community health centres and colleges wherever such facilities are lacking.
Patel recommended adopting a Gujarat-style public-private partnership model to improve infrastructure in educational institutions.
According to the statement, she said that manuscripts, bhojpatras and rare books are being digitised and preserved under the Gyan Bharatam Abhiyan, with Sampurnanand Sanskrit University serving as the nodal institution for the initiative.
She also directed colleges to maximise the use of the INFLIBNET platform and the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ scheme to improve students’ access to national and international academic resources, including books, research papers and study materials.
Patel instructed colleges to prepare detailed DPRs under the “UP Certification” initiative and submit them to the government to improve infrastructure, academic quality and institutional systems.
Additionally, she called for the implementation of a “Village Scientist Programme” in rural areas to promote scientific thinking, innovation and technological awareness among students and rural youth.
The governor also directed all teachers to publish at least two book chapters or research papers every year to strengthen research and academic writing culture in higher education institutions.
With PTI inputs