Tamil Nadu government employees may soon have a designated day each week to wear traditional attire to work, with the state government proposing the move as part of efforts to support local weavers and promote Tamil cultural heritage.
The proposal was announced at the Tamil Nadu Day celebrations in Chennai. The initiative is expected to cover government officers and staff across the state, as well as members of the state cabinet. However, the government has not yet announced when the dress code will come into effect.
Under the proposed arrangement, employees would be encouraged to wear traditional clothing, including dhotis and shirts, on one working day every week.
The move is being positioned as a way to generate greater demand for traditional clothing and provide support to the state’s weaving community. By bringing ethnic wear into the regular workplace routine, the government hopes to give traditional attire greater visibility beyond festivals and cultural occasions.
The announcement comes alongside other proposals aimed at promoting Tamil language and culture within government institutions. Plans were reportedly also announced to establish a Tamil Sangam at the Secretariat to encourage the promotion of Tamil art and literature. The proposed body will bring together existing cultural associations, with the Chief Minister expected to head it.
The minister also indicated that efforts would be made to organise a World Tamil Conference in the near future.
