By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter
Srinagar: A nursing school in Srinagar district of Jammu and Kashmir has landed itself in controversy after directing its students to sign an affidavit not to wear ‘Abaya’ or cover their face during the working hours.
The Ancillary Medical Training (AMT) has asked its female students to sign an affidavit which states not to wear ‘Abaya or face-covering during clinical posting’.
“I will maintain the dress code as per the policy of the institution. I will maintain the code of ethics as per the policy of the institution, and I will not wear Abaya or cover my face during clinical postings,” reads the affidavit that the students require signing.
The students have threatened to take legal action against the institute if the notification seeking signing of the affidavit isn’t rolled back.
The institute’s principal Dr. Razia Mahmood while talking to a local newspaper has defended her decision and termed Abaya as a source of infection during work
“That is why there is an emphasis on proper dress code. The students can put on their Abaya or veil after the working hours,” she was quoted as saying by Valley-based newspaper Greater Kashmir.
According to the chairman of International Forum for Justice, Ahsan Untoo the institution can’t force students to sign the affidavit against their will.
“Every person has right to wear what they want to wear. Instead of asking students not to wear Abaya or face cover, the institute should provide them medical gowns and masks,” Ahsan told TwoCircles.net.
A Srinagar-based rights activist MM Shuja has threatened to approach court if the notification isn’t taken back.