India
Bihar Imposes Formal Dress Code and Bans DJs at State Schools
The Bihar education department has issued a directive banning T‑shirts and jeans for all teaching and non‑teaching staff in state‑run schools and educational institutions. The order, issued by education department director Vijay Kumar Pandey on 30 October 2026, also prohibits activities such as dancing, DJ setups, disco and other vulgar or low‑standard events on school premises. "Teachers and non‑teaching personnel posted in schools and educational institutions must attend only in dignified formal attire during teaching and office hours. Strict compliance with this directive must be ensured and enforced," the notice states. It further says that only disciplined and dignified performances of dance, music, etc., scheduled on designated days in accordance with the academic calendar, are permissible. The circular cites widespread non‑compliance with earlier directives aimed at maintaining dignity and professional culture at schools, noting reports of staff arriving in casual wear and incidents of loud DJ music and low‑brow dance activities inside schools. The department stresses that such conduct deteriorates the academic environment and is unacceptable. It directs school authorities to enforce mandatory, dignified formal attire for all staff during official duty hours immediately and instructs district education heads to monitor premises and ensure full adherence, emphasizing that classrooms are for serious learning, not casual hangouts or party arenas.
Frequently asked questions
What attire is now required for staff in Bihar state schools?
Staff must wear dignified formal attire during teaching and office hours; T‑shirts and jeans are banned.
Which activities are prohibited in Bihar state schools?
Activities such as dancing, DJ setups, disco, and other vulgar or low‑standard events are prohibited on school premises.
Who issued the directive and when?
Education department director Vijay Kumar Pandey issued the directive on 30 October 2026.