Sindh Issues New Winter Rules for Private Schools – Jacket Color Restrictions Removed

The Sindh Education Department has issued new Winter Rules for all private schools, officially removing restrictions on jacket colors, designs, and styles for students. The move aims to reduce the financial burden on parents and ensure children can dress warmly according to weather conditions without pressure from school administrations.

The notification was issued following the directives of Sindh Education Minister Sardar Shah, who emphasized that children’s comfort must take priority during the winter season. The announcement applies to all private educational institutions operating under the Directorate of Private Institutions Sindh.

Govt Bars Schools From Enforcing Specific Winter Jackets

According to the official circular, private schools are no longer allowed to compel students to buy or wear school-specific winter jackets. For years, parents reported that many institutions forced them to purchase expensive jackets from selected vendors, often costing significantly more than regular warm clothing available in markets.

Additional Director Rafia Javed clarified that the new winter guidelines strictly prohibit schools from dictating jacket colors or designs. She added that no child may be stopped or penalized for wearing a non-uniform jacket, as long as it is appropriate for the cold weather.

The department has also warned that action will be taken against schools found violating these rules.

Parents Welcome the Decision

The policy has been widely praised by parents across Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and other districts. Many families said the decision offers relief at a time when inflation has already made school expenses difficult to manage. Several parents noted that winter uniform jackets at private schools were being sold at “excessive prices” and were often only available at specific shops approved by the school.

Parents also said that flexibility in winter clothing means children can now wear jackets they already own, making it easier for families with multiple school-going children.

“This is a very fair decision,” a parent from Gulshan-e-Iqbal said. “Why should we be forced to spend thousands on a jacket that our child uses for only two months? Comfort should matter more than uniform.”

Education Minister Emphasizes Comfort Over Uniformity

Education Minister Sardar Shah said the government’s top priority is students’ health during winter. He stated that forcing children to buy certain jackets adds unnecessary pressure on families and does not contribute to a better educational environment.

“Children must stay warm and comfortable,” he said. “No school has the right to force a specific jacket style or color. Our directive is clear: students may wear any warm clothing they find suitable.”

The minister added that the department will monitor private schools to ensure full compliance.

Background: Long-Standing Complaints Against Winter Jacket Rules

For several years, parents have been raising concerns that private schools were enforcing strict winter uniform policies. Many schools required students to purchase jackets in a particular color—maroon, navy blue, or black—often with logos, embroidery, or specific stitching.

Other complaints included:

• Jackets priced between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 5,000, far higher than market alternatives
• Mandatory purchases from designated uniform shops
• Schools rejecting jackets that did not match the “official” winter uniform
• Lack of flexibility for families who preferred thicker or more affordable winter wear

Some parents even reported that schools would send children back home for wearing non-uniform jackets, despite cold weather conditions. These complaints prompted the Education Department to take official notice.

What the New Notification Says

The Directorate of Private Institutions has outlined the following key points in its new winter policy:

• Students are free to wear any jacket, regardless of color or design.
• Schools cannot force parents to buy winter jackets from specific shops.
• No child can be stopped, fined, or sent home for wearing a non-uniform jacket.
• Schools found violating these rules will face administrative action.
• District-level monitoring teams will inspect private schools during winter.

The policy is applicable immediately and will remain in effect throughout the winter season.

Impact on Schools and Students

Education experts say the decision marks a shift toward more child-friendly and parent-friendly policies in Sindh. Allowing students to dress according to the weather not only ensures comfort but also encourages practical decision-making at home.

Impact on Students:

• Children can dress warmly without fear of punishment.
• Better protection against cold-related illnesses.
• Less stress on children whose families cannot afford expensive jackets.

Impact on Parents:

• Reduced financial burden during winter.
• Freedom to choose jackets within their budget.
• No need for repeated winter uniform purchases.

Impact on Schools:

• Schools must revise their winter uniform rules.
• Administration must avoid pressuring parents.
• Compliance checks will ensure accountability.

A Step Toward Fair and Flexible Uniform Policies

The Education Department’s latest move aligns with its broader effort to regulate private institutions and ensure fairness in uniform and fee policies. Earlier this year, the department also issued warnings to schools charging unauthorized fees or failing to provide transparency to parents.

Experts say uniform flexibility is essential, especially during extreme weather conditions. Strict winter uniform rules have been criticized globally as they often prioritize aesthetics over children’s health.

With jacket color restrictions removed in Sindh, the province joins regions adopting more practical and inclusive policies for students.

Schools Directed to Implement New Policy Immediately

The Directorate of Private Institutions has instructed school administrations to update parents and staff about the new policy without delay. Schools have been warned not to reject students wearing non-uniform jackets, and teachers have been asked to cooperate with families during the winter period.

Monitoring teams will begin inspections next week to ensure smooth implementation across Sindh.

Conclusion – Sindh Issues New Winter Rules for Private Schools

The decision to remove jacket color restrictions marks a significant step by the Sindh government to protect children’s comfort and reduce financial stress on parents. By allowing students to wear any winter jacket of their choice, the Education Department has prioritized practicality, affordability, and children’s health over strict uniform expectations. With immediate implementation and clear instructions, private schools across Sindh must now comply with the new winter rules for the benefit of students and families.