This is with reference to the letter “A welcome step” by Mr Adelmo Fernandes (Herald March 26). The dept of Art & Culture has proposed a moral dress code for govt staffers detailing what they cannot wear. Personally, I believe that the choice of clothes should be left to the staffers so long as they are decent.
Uniforms, as suggested by Mr Fernandes will result in wastage of time. Nurses, for instance have uniforms. But they have staff quarters, changing rooms and lockers. Ladies are unlikely to travel to office in a dress or sari in shades of blue or khaki. On reaching their workplace they will make a bee line to the limited washrooms to change into uniforms. An hour before closing time they will repeat the pilgrimage to the washroom. Too much time will be lost.
True, some private firms have smart white blouse/ black skirt uniforms of their young female staff. Govt staffers may not approve of such chic uniforms. Neither will it be appropriate. However some form of uniform as stated by Mr Fernandes, is necessary to identify govt staff at work.
Personally I feel that govt staffers should be provided with coats used by doctors — but of a thinner fabric. Additionally they must be made to sport name, dept and designation badges.
Prof Robert Castellino, Calangute
