Podar School parents object to uniform changes

Amid the ongoing fee hike issue, the Podar School has invited a new trouble for itself. Parents from not only the Santacruz branch of Podar School but also its Nerul branch, ICSE board, are opposing the School's decision of introducing new uniforms for the upcoming academic year 2018-19. Parents from Nerul's Podar School have objected to the light colour of the girls' uniforms and the wrap around style of the skirts. They have also raised concerns over the unnecessary full length pants for boys of the primary section. Parents from both branches of the school have taken up the issue with the school's management.

One of the parents said, "First point is why light shade skirts for growing girls should be chosen. Also wrapper round skirts will be high risk to the minor girl students' safety and privacy. Many parents have raised these points and taken up to the management authorities."

Another parent, who did not wish to be named, said, "Full sleeves shirt for boys will be uncomfortable during summer season. Also it will be difficult to manage full pants and full sleeves shirts for little boy students. Full length pants are not required for primary kids which the management is planning to introduce." The Nerul branch parents have not just written about their concern to the school principal but also met the management person regarding the same.

The parents also raised concerns over the management's alleged gender discrimination implied by introducing colour-based Physical Training (PT) uniform for students, that is pink tops for girls and blue for boys. They said the PTA's approval wasn't seeked by the school before taking this decision.

According to the school management, Podar education complex is going through upgradation. It had been more than five years since the school changed its uniform and new uniform design is being replicated across Podar schools pan India.