Mass protest in Cotton University against introduction of uniform

June 24: The century-old Cotton College (now Cotton University), Guwahati is again in the news because of the ongoing protest by the students. The university had decided to introduce uniforms for the students studying in higher secondary courses from 1 August 2019. If implemented, this will be the first time the students will wear uniform in the history of the 119-year old institute.

In a recent decision, the Cotton University informed that it would be mandatory for its higher secondary students to wear uniform from the next academic session starting in August. The university has constituted a three-member committee to chalk out a detailed plan to implement the new move aimed at inculcating discipline among students. The students strongly opposed the administration’s decision to bring in uniforms and also submitted a memorandum to the vice-chancellor regarding the same.

The students held placards and gathered in the university campus to express their discontent over the university’s plans to introduce uniform. Students protesting against this move opined that the administration should be looking at bigger problems like teacher’s shortage and unfilled vacancy instead of creating a controversy on the issue of uniform. The students also submitted a memorandum in this regard to the Vice Chancellor.

Even though majority of Cottonians are opposing uniform, a section of them of them are supporting the move on different grounds. An official at Cotton University, however, said introduction of uniform is only for higher secondary students not for undergraduate and postgraduate students.