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Odisha Tech University Bans Dupattas, Cites Safety Concerns
15 Aug
Summary
- Odisha engineering university bans dupattas for girls
- Uniforms introduced for new students, mandatory in phases
- Dupattas seen as safety risk in labs with moving machinery
On August 15, 2025, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Odisha's oldest engineering college, announced the introduction of mandatory uniforms for its new students. The university has banned dupattas (long scarves) for female students, citing safety reasons.
Under the new dress code, boys are required to wear navy blue pants and sky blue shirts, while girls must wear navy blue shalwar and waistcoats with sky blue shirts. The university's Vice-Chancellor, Dipak Kumar Sahoo, explained that the uniform colors were chosen to be neutral and secular, and the fabric was selected to be durable and resistant to staining or discoloration.
The decision to ban dupattas was made due to the potential safety risks they pose in various engineering disciplines where students work with moving parts. Sahoo stated that if a dupatta gets caught in the machinery, it could be life-threatening for the girls. As an alternative, the university has prescribed a waistcoat as a "dignified" option for female students.
The uniform policy is currently optional for senior students but will be made mandatory for all students in a phased manner. The university aims to inculcate a sense of discipline among the students and enable easy identification of outsiders when the dress code is enforced.
