BHUBANESWAR: In a move to support weavers, Odishagovernment on Tuesday decided that all female teachers in government run primary and secondary schools will wear handloom saris as their uniform from the coming academic session. The saris will be provided to around 1.20 lakh female teachers though Boyanika outlets.

"The colour code and pattern of primary and secondary school teachers will remain the same only the texture of the saris will be changed. They will henceforth wear handloom saris, which will help thousands of weavers and protect their livelihood," said handloom, textiles and handicrafts minister Snehangini Chhuria.
This has been decided in a meeting of handloom, textiles and handicrafts department and school and mass education department here. "It was proposed long ago now we made it official. As such many lady teachers in both western Odisha and also in other parts prefer to wear handloom sarees. Since the handloom saris will be costlier than other fabrics available in the market the department will give them subsidy in the saris, Chhuria added.

She said, for the teachers of higher secondary schools and colleges a proposal of uniform will be given by the handloom and textiles department and their feedback will be taken before going for bulk production.

"There are also plans to introduce handloom uniform for school children but so far no decision has been taken in this regard," she said adding in more than 35 colleges in western Odisha we have promoted handloom uniforms among students, which they are buying from Boyanika or Sambalpuri Bastralaya outlets.

Welcoming the move of the government Rajashree Mohapatra, a primary school teacher, said, "We are happy that government made this order. Earlier though we used to wear same colour but there was no uniformity in designs and fabrics. Besides, handloom fabric is more comfortable than other synthetic materials available in the market."