Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb (File Photo/PTI)
The Tripura government's latest advisory for bureaucrats has raised several eye-brows. The advisory issued by Principal Secretary for Revenue, Education and Information and Cultural Affairs Sushil Kumar, has advised officials to avoid wearing "casual attires like jeans and cargo pants" during meetings.
"District Magistrates, ADMs being the district head need to ensure that in/at the state level official meeting which are chaired by the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Dy. CM, Ministers, Chief Secretary etc. or other high level official meetings due regards needs to be given to the dress code," the memorandum said.
"Certain casual attires like jeans and cargo pants should be avoided," it added.
Sushil Kumar said he has three decades of experience in the Government of India service and he was yet to see an officer from the IAS or central services come to office wearing casual attires like denims.
The memorandum also pointed out that a few officials read and send messages on their mobile phones during meetings, which is a mark of disrespect.
'Reflection of BJP's feudal mindset'
Reacting over the 'dress code advisory', Tripura Pradesh Congress vice-president Tapas Dey said the order is a perfect reflection of feudal mindset of the state's ruling BJP-IPFT government and encroachment on the rights of government servants.
The CPI(M) also slammed the Biplab Kumar Deb government, saying such a notification reminds one of the colonial rule.
"How can they give orders on what to wear and what to avoid in the name of dress codes? This is most condemnable. Ours is a democratic country and not the colonial British rule. This type of memorandum reminds us the colonial rule only," CPI(M) spokesperson Goutam Das said.
(With inputs from agencies)
