Centre directs medical institutes to design Indian dress code for convocation ceremonies

In a significant move, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has directed all central government-run medical institutions to design the Indian dress code for convocation ceremonies of their respective institutes based on local traditions of the state and said the current tradition of black robe and cape is a colonial legacy which needs to be changed. 

What was said in the notice?

The official notice reads, 'It is observed that currently as a matter of practice, black robe and cap is being used during convocation by various Institutes of the Ministry. This attire originated in the Middle Ages in Europe and was



introduced by the British in all their colonies. The above tradition is a colonial legacy which needs to be changed.'

'Accordingly, it has been decided by the Ministry that the various Institutes of the Ministry including AIIMS/INIs engaged in imparting medical education will design appropriate India dress code for the Convocation Ceremony of their Institute’ based on local traditions of the State in which the Institute is located. The proposal to this effect should be submitted to the Ministry through their respective Divisions of Ministry for consideration and approval of Secretary (Health): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,' it added.