Puneites react to Tamil Nadu govt’s dress code order

PUNE: The Tamil Nadu Government has ordered government employees to follow a ‘culture-specific’ dress code at workplaces. 

The women employees have been asked to wear ‘sarees, salwar kameez or chudidaar in sober colours’, while the men have been told to stick to formal pants and shirts. 

Pune residents share what they think about this rule.

Such compulsions should be removed. The government should first clarify the need to bring in the rule. If the rule is for removing the class imbalance, it is welcome. If it’s to bridge the gap between the people i.e. rich and poor, then it’s for a good cause. If not, then the rule is going to make people’s life difficult as hell.
— Revati Ajeet Joshi (54), School Teacher

We are talking about woman empowerment on one hand, and on the other hand, we are not ready to even accept their choices. Even men should start ‘men empowerment’ campaign. How awful and shameful it is.            
— Vishakha Oke (35), Cosmetologist

What is the word freedom for then? Why should people moving out of their cities, for instance, people from Mumbai or Pune and working in Tamil Nadu should follow their dress code. Does dressing in a particular way really matter? 
— Priyanka More (35), Marketing Professional

Does the term globalisation exist? The point here is intelligence, service and hard work and not what one wears. How  is it relevant? Solutions to this can be alternate days dress code but not a compulsion. Freedom should be given to each individual.
— Makrand Malwe (50), Education sector

Army is the perfect example of unity. We have 12 uniforms that define our identity. I think dress code according to culture makes no sense but dress code in alternative ways should be observed to balance things and mindsets of people.
— Shohin Abdulahaev (21),  Armed Forces trainee