Sindh Bans Mandatory Winter Uniform Jackets in Private Schools

Sindh Issues New Winter Rules for Private Schools

The Sindh Education Department has introduced a significant new policy for private schools across the province, aiming to ensure students’ comfort and reduce the financial burden on parents during the winter season. According to the latest directive, private schools are strictly prohibited from forcing students to wear winter jackets of specific colors, designs, or styles. The decision comes following explicit instructions from Sindh Education Minister Sardar Shah, who emphasized prioritizing students’ well-being during colder months.

This major policy shift has been welcomed by parents, education activists, and student rights groups who have long raised concerns about schools unnecessarily enforcing expensive uniform additions. With winter approaching in Sindh, the government’s new directive aims to bring relief to thousands of families.

Notification Issued to All Private Schools

The official notification was released by the Directorate of Private Institutions, which oversees private educational establishments across the province. Additional Director Rafia Javed issued the written notice, clearly instructing all private schools to immediately stop imposing any compulsory winter jacket requirements.

She stated that students should be allowed to wear any warm clothing of their choice, regardless of fabric, color, or design. According to the notification, no school administration has the authority to force parents to purchase specific winter jackets from designated shops or from the school itself.

Key points from the notification include:

• Private schools cannot enforce winter jackets of a specific color.

• Students are free to wear any warm clothing suitable for the weather.

• Schools cannot compel parents to buy jackets from particular vendors.

• Strict action will be taken against violators.

The notification further emphasizes that the decision has been made to reduce the financial pressure on parents and to prevent schools from exploiting uniform policies for commercial gain.

Education Minister Sardar Shah Prioritizes Student Health

Sindh Education Minister Sardar Shah reiterated the government’s stance by stating that children’s health, comfort, and safety must come first during winter. He highlighted that students should not be forced to endure the cold simply to maintain a uniform appearance.

The minister stressed that children can wear any warm jacket that protects them from low temperatures, and schools cannot dictate specific uniform details when it jeopardizes students’ well-being.

He added:

“The focus during winter should be on children’s comfort, not on the uniform. Schools have no right to burden parents with unnecessary winter clothing requirements.”

His statement aims to ensure that educational institutions act responsibly and ethically, keeping students’ basic needs above institutional preferences.

Why This New Policy Was Needed

For years, parents in Sindh have complained that private schools force them to purchase costly, school-specific winter jackets from limited shops. These jackets often come with:

• High prices

• Limited availability

• Low durability

• No flexibility for students

Many parents reported that schools pressured them to buy new jackets every year, even if the old ones were still in good condition. This practice had inadvertently created a financial burden, especially for middle-class and low-income families.

The new directive aims to end these commercialized uniform practices and ensure fairness in the private education sector.

Parents Welcome the Decision

The news has brought significant relief to parents across the province. Many parents expressed that school-specific winter jackets were unnecessarily expensive and often difficult to afford, especially when multiple children were enrolled in the same school.

Parents also appreciated that the new policy recognizes the importance of practical winter clothing, as children should be allowed to wear thicker and more comfortable jackets based on weather conditions rather than school regulations.

A parent from Karachi shared:

“This decision was needed. Schools used to force us to buy jackets worth thousands of rupees. Now we can choose warm clothing that is affordable and comfortable for our children.”

Impact on Private Schools in Sindh

The directive is expected to affect thousands of private schools across Sindh, including those in:

• Karachi

• Hyderabad

• Sukkur

• Larkana

• Mirpurkhas

• Nawabshah

School administrations have been strictly warned not to violate the order. The Directorate of Private Institutions has also announced a monitoring mechanism to ensure full compliance. Any school found forcing students to purchase uniform jackets will face disciplinary action.

Ensuring Student Comfort and Reducing Costs

The ultimate goal of the new winter policy is to protect students from cold weather while reducing the financial strain on families. Allowing children to wear any warm clothing ensures:

• Better protection from harsh weather

• Reduced risk of illness

• Financial relief for parents

• Freedom of choice in selecting comfortable outfits

The decision also highlights the government’s commitment to making education more inclusive and student-friendly.

The Sindh Education Department’s newly announced winter rules for private schools mark a significant step toward student welfare and parent support. By banning strict winter uniform jackets and allowing students to wear warm clothing of their choice, the government has taken an important decision to ensure comfort, affordability, and fairness in the education system.

As winter sets in, this policy ensures that children stay warm and healthy—without being burdened by unnecessary uniform restrictions. The directive reflects a positive move towards prioritizing student needs over institutional demands, reinforcing the belief that education should always be accessible, stress-free, and centered around student care.