After outrage, Goa government tones down its dress code diktat

 Goa's Art and Culture department has withdrawn its circular on dress code in office and allowed semi-formal and smart casuals for its staff in a fresh direction.

The department earlier had banned sleeveless tops and jeans in office evoking strong reaction from Opposition Congress party. "All the employees are now hereby informed that they shall wear semi formal or formal dress or smart casuals at official functions of this department as well as in the office to maintain proper decorum in office," reads the order issued by Director Prasad Lolienkar on Friday. 

Minister for Art and Culture Dayanand Mandrekar had confirmed about the earlier order in a reply tabled in the House. "It is once again instructed that employees shall wear only formal dress and not wear jeans, corduroy, T-shirts, trousers with multiple pockets and sleeveless dresses during the office hours and official functions of the Directorate," said the earlier memo.

The fresh order said that earlier note left scope for misinterpretation and stands withdrawn. "Instructions were given to employees to wear formal dress during office hours and official functions of this directorate to maintain proper decorum. However, said office notes are misinterpreted. In fact said office notes are not worded/drafted properly and leave scope for misinterpretation," the new order said. "As such the instructions issued earlier on dress code stands withdrawn with immediate effect," the director said.