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In the recent past there has been talk about enforcing a dress code for college girls. In fact, some colleges have already done so.Personally though, I feel that both supporters and opponents have extreme views. I will, therefore, attempt to put forth the middle path.At the very outset, let`s all accept the fact that, what women wear does matter. If a woman wears a daring outfit, she will arouse attention even in the most liberal surroundings, forget the traditional ones.
It is true that women alone must have the right to decide what to wear, but will it not be better if they take the social milieu into consideration while exercising that very right?
It isn`t that women should only wear traditional outfits. The only thing is to avoid revealing clothes. Fashion is good, but please remember that certain dresses are for parties and some are for collegewear. Dress for the occasion.
The university or government must not intervene. It should be left to the individual colleges to decide if a ban is to be implemented or not. It should also be given freedom to decide which type of apparel is acceptable or not. The social conditioning of the student body has to be given due respect.
If a college does want to implement a dress code, the following step may be considered - i.e. the management should not enforce the decision unilaterally. Rather the student body representatives (C.R. G.S. U.R. etc), must be taken into confidence, besides the parents. Secondly, the code should be limited not only to girls, but boys also should be barred from wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts and t-shirts. If possible, a referendum on the issue should be held and the students allowed to decide for themselves. This democratic method will be the best answer to critics on both sides. The management and students must however, ensure that outsiders do not vitiate the atmosphere for personal and political gains.
Once the majority accepts the code, then clearcut guidelines should be formulated for easy implementation. The outfits that are to banned i.e. micro minis, tank tops e.g., should be clearly defined.
A council comprising of both faculty and students should be formed, to impose some kind of penalties and punishments. A method for redress should also be in place and a counsellor to whom a student may turn to, if he or she feels wronged. Here I wish to add that the rule may be relaxed a bit for college festivals and other special occasions like Rose Day, Prom etc, provided there is a consensus.
The student body must be given time to accept and adjust to the new rules The rules should be properly highlighted in the admission form, so that students are aware of them before they join.
Since most girls do not wear such outfits, they will not be adversely affected, so they may support the ban. For those who argue that some regulation in the social sphere now will lead to more later, they could have a vote.
We have advanced no doubt but we still need to maintain our values. Would any of us like our daughter wife or sister wearing such clothes?

Let`s be aware of what we wear!